Žalgiris audit findings: Million-euro bonuses for Čeburinas and Venslovaitienė, missing furniture, strange purchases

A recent audit of the Žalgiris basketball club, spanning from 2021 to 2025, has brought to light numerous financial discrepancies and questionable expenditures, prompting the club to seek legal counsel. Club director Mindaugas Kasperūnas and president Andrius Tapinas presented the audit's findings, which detail significant financial "black holes" requiring further investigation.

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We are not a quick loan company.

The audit revealed that over 400,000 euros were spent from club funds on various items, including accessories, perfumes, and interior goods. A substantial portion, 160,000 euros, is reportedly linked to V. Venslovaitienė. Additionally, nearly 250,000 euros were allocated for representation expenses, but the club lacks documentation detailing who received these funds and when.

Further complicating matters, the audit identified numerous unusual purchases made with club money. These include expensive pens costing 560 euros each, men's clutches, GoPro camera dive protectors, PlayStation accessories, brush cutters, garden furniture, a gazebo, and a high-pressure washer. The club also noted the absence of assets such as washing and drying machines, televisions, a sofa, and natural oak furniture.

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Further actions – we are consulting with lawyers, once they provide their conclusion, we will decide what to do next. In my opinion, the court should evaluate that.

Significant bonus payments were also a point of contention. Former coach V. Čeburinas received nearly 499,000 euros in bonuses, with 190,000 euros lacking proper documentation. V. Venslovaitienė, who held dual roles as director and sports director, accumulated over 522,000 euros in bonuses. Čeburinas also benefited from a 30% commission on player transfers, totaling an additional 84,000 euros. The club is reportedly consulting UEFA regarding the appropriateness of such bonus structures.

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I believe some money can return to the club. Paying out bonuses was the club's decision, possibly there is nothing illegal in that. Philosophically looking at it, when there is one-man leadership in any institution, such problems become natural, we start confusing pockets.

Other irregularities include a 61,000 euro advance for a new car for the former coach, weekend travel tickets to Istanbul for Čeburinas and Venslovaitienė despite no related team events, 20,000 euros in undocumented flight expenses, and the same amount spent on dental services. The club also provided a 95,000 euro loan to an individual not associated with the club. Tapinas expressed disbelief, stating, "We are not a quick loan company." The club is now preparing for potential legal battles, with Kasperūnas emphasizing the need for court evaluation, while Tapinas believes some funds may be recovered.

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Paying out bonuses is legal, but it must be done within reason. Money can