The Joniškis District Municipality has announced a significant cut in funding for its local basketball club, reducing the allocation from €610,000 to €510,000 for this year. Despite an overall budget increase of €16 million, this decision reflects concerns regarding the club's management and recent controversies surrounding its personnel. Journalist Lukas Malinauskas reported that the reduction in funding serves as a wake-up call for the club to make necessary administrative changes.

One of the controversies impacting the basketball club involves its leader, V. Vaškevičius, who has faced multiple legal issues related to alcohol abuse. He was recently convicted for being under the influence during a traffic stop and consequently received a suspended sentence. The municipal mayor, Mindaugas Sinkevičius, has called for Vaškevičius to step down from his position in light of these allegations, further complicating the club's financial and operational situation.

The funding cut and the ongoing scandals raise questions about the future of the basketball club and its ability to compete in the league. Local officials are now under pressure to ensure that the club is managed responsibly, which may involve instituting new leadership to restore trust and stability. The situation underscores the interconnectedness of sports organizations with local governance and community expectations in Lithuania.