Latvian athletes were deprived of funding for playing in tournaments with the Russians

Five Latvian athletes were deprived of funding for their performance in tournaments, in which Russian and Belarusian athletes also took part. The Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Latvia, Karlis Leinieks, told Sputnik Latvia about this.

Under the punishment, which has been in effect since March 2023, cyclists Tom Skuinsh and Krist Neylands, tennis players Elena Ostapenko, Daniela Wismane and Daria Semenistaya got. Leinieks stressed that the allocation of public funds has been suspended and may be resumed after consultations with the Ministry of Education and Science (MES).

It is noted that the decision was made in accordance with the agreement between the NOC and the Ministry of Education and Science dated February 15. According to the document, funds from the state budget will not be allocated to athletes and employees if they take part in competitions in which Russians and Belarusians also compete, regardless of their status, as well as the rules and decisions of international sports federations.

At the end of February 2022, many international sports organizations stopped allowing Russians to compete on the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee. In some sports, such as tennis, cycling, motorsport and chess, Russians continue to play in neutral status.