Latvian Professional Boxing Federation carries Latvia’s name into the wide world, but this organisation’s name is not found in Latvian Sports Federations Council (LSFP) register of recognized sports federations.
«We have Latvian Boxing Federation, which is responsible for boxing in Latvia. This organisation is recognized and approved. I cannot say the same for Latvian Professional Boxing Federation (LPBF),» said LSFP President Einars Fogelis in a conversation with BNN.
He explains the council has a procedure under which sports federations are approved. «First we need an application from a sports organisation and all documents that are needed for approval. They also have to meet specific criteria.»
LPBF secretary general Jekaterina Krilova claimed in a conversation with BNN her organisation is the only one responsible for professional boxing in Latvia and that referees require permits from this organisation to organize tournaments.
She also said LPBS is a member in multiple international boxing organisations, which allows it to carry Latvia’s name in the world. But its management does not seem to consist of big patriots of Latvia. LPBF President Andrejs Ahmedovs is a citizen of the Russian Federation, as reported by Latvijas Avīze at the end of February. Krilova has a tagged Russian propaganda content with likes on her Instagram.
Screenshot from InstagramCriteria and Procedures for Recognition of Sports Federations section of the Sports Law state: «A sports federation shall be recognised if it meets the following criteria […] the head of the sports federation is a citizen of the Republic of Latvia.» Theoretically Ahmedovs should be expelled from the management of this sports federation automatically due to this requirement. However, since the foundation of LPBF Ahmedovs has served as a representative. He also holds signature rights, LA notes.
This begs the question why an organisation managed by a Russian citizen communicates with world-class organisations like the World Boxing Council, European Boxing Union and others on behalf of Latvia?
Saeima deputy and head of the Sports Subcommittee Sandis Riekstiņš told BNN that he has spoken with Latvian Sports Federations Council about this organisation to turn attention towards its activities.
Riekstiņš said «there are multiple secretary generals who share 9 May congratulations rather openly». «This is also a fact. This is why I have spoken with Latvian Sports Federation Council and Olympic Committee about this. They are currently busy monitoring all federations.»
The Sports Subcommittee has prepared amendments to the Sports Law to ensure people not loyal to Latvia are not allowed to take posts in Latvian sports organisations, which receive state financing.
Riekstiņš said once monitoring period is over, it may be necessary to add clarifications to the law.
«I have personally asked the same organisations to make conclusions on several occasions. I believe these people, as I’ve mentioned, are not exactly loyal to the country, which means they have no place in any posts.»
The Saeima deputy admits it is not possible to completely regulate this field with the law. However, he said he has offered sports federations to compose internal ethics committees, because most do not have them. «It’s a tool, and by using it members will be able to make decisions. These are non-government organisations – as a representative of the state, I cannot dictate what they can and cannot do.»
«But we can include some things in the law.»
The head of Latvian Sports Federations Council Fogelis also pointed out that the council has talked about banning someone else from using the word «federation», adding that the words «Latvian» and «federation» should not be used lightly.
«If the Enterprise Register and Lursoft have registered Latvian Professional Boxing Federations, they are able to go in the larger world with the word ‘federation’. Again. No one in Latvia gave them such a right. At least, as far as I know, considering the procedure under which federations are recognized in our country. If these people, this organisation, pretend like they are the only ones in Latvia with the right to do something, then this is obviously some self-proclaimed right. Then let the Enterprise Register or someone else who has registered such a loud name take the responsibility for it.»
«If you register a federation, the law makes it clear that only a Latvian citizen is allowed to be in charge of it.»
«We monitor everything with the best of our ability. We would be grateful if there was a separate talk about all this with services that engage with this professionally. If there are [anti-governmental] signals there, we are prepared to respond,» stressed the president of Latvian Sports Federations Council.
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