FK Žalgiris shareholders have confirmed Mindaugas Kasperūnas as the club’s new president, making permanent the role he had held on an interim basis since 23 August.
Kasperūnas initially stepped in as interim president following the removal of Vilma Venslovaitienė, whose 15-year tenure ended amid controversy and a criminal investigation into her use of a dormant contract to acquire shares. Now, with shareholders’ backing, he assumes the presidency without a set term, entrusted to lead Lithuania’s most decorated club through one of the most turbulent periods in its modern history.
Four candidates were originally shortlisted – Kasperūnas, former A Lyga president Rytis Davidovičius, Ovidijus Jurevičius, and Antanas Sakavickas. But with Davidovičius withdrawing on the eve of the vote due to his active agent licence, the contest quickly lost suspense. On ballot day, Kasperūnas secured eight of the 14 shareholder votes, five abstained, and one share belonging to Venslovaitienė remained frozen by prosecutors.
Žalgiris’ ownership remains split between private individuals, corporate partners, and the Vilnius municipality, which contributes €1.4 million annually. Reports suggest Kasperūnas’ candidacy was backed by co-owner Mindaugas Nikoličius, shareholder Vytautas Čepas, cargoGo Logistics, the municipality, and his own stake — giving him both breadth and depth of support within the structure.
For many supporters, Kasperūnas’ elevation carries symbolic weight. He first took charge briefly in 2009, helping save Žalgiris from financial collapse in a fan-led rescue. His return this summer, amid boardroom upheaval and falling results on the pitch, was framed as an effort to restore credibility and reconnect the club with its community.
With the interim tag now removed, attention shifts to whether Kasperūnas can translate his vision — for professional structures, homegrown talent, and transparent governance — into stability and success. For a club with both historic stature and recent scars, this presidency may prove decisive in shaping the next era of Žalgiris.
Source: https://www.15min.lt/sportas/naujiena/futbolas/isrinktas-naujasis-zalgirio-direktorius-24-2534812
