The Latvian State Security Service is warning that participation in work abroad, including in Russia, could expose individuals to criminal liability in Latvia.
As reported by Delfi, players Janis Kalnins (Amur, Khabarovsk) and Nikolai Eliseev (Admiral, Vladivostok) along with coaches Leonid Tambiev, Andrejs Banada and Grigory Panteleev drew scrutiny from Latvian law enforcement authorities.
The State Security Service confirmed it will assess whether the activities of Latvian athletes and sports professionals who continue their careers in Russia comply with Latvian law. It noted that the penal code imposes penalties for acts connected with genocide, crimes against humanity, crimes against peace and war crimes in certain cases.
According to the agency, in the current geopolitical climate any support for Russia, including promoting its achievements in sports, runs counter to Latvia’s national security and the shared values of a democratic community, as described by Sportacentrs.com.
Earlier in April, Latvia’s parliament approved amendments prohibiting local athletes from performing in Russia and Belarus. Nevertheless some athletes still signed contracts with clubs in the Continental Hockey League (KHL).
On July 6, Kalnins joined Amur. On the same day, Roberts Pļejs (Secretary General of the Latvian Hockey Federation) stated that the player is no longer permitted to represent Latvia in international events.
He stated there was no need for debate since the government had already amended sports law on April 30, banning participation in competitions held in Russia and Belarus. Pļejs, per RIA Novosti, noted that those who play in Russia or Belarus would be barred from joining the national team.
The transfer request reached the KHL a few days later, and the Latvian Hockey Federation subsequently blocked the move. Kalnins had most recently played for Tappara in Finland and previously spent time with Minsk Dinamo and Jokerit in the KHL. He has been called up to the Latvian national team since 2015, competing in four world championships and the Beijing Olympic Games with the national squad.
Kalnins explained his decision to sign with a Russian club as a measure to protect his family’s interests. He acknowledged the decision would be unpopular and anticipated negative media reaction, adding that adults assess their own circumstances and act accordingly.
Alexander Kozhevnikov, a former two-time Olympic champion, suggested in an interview that Latvian players facing potential criminal consequences might be offered Russian citizenship to avoid legal jeopardy. He argued that accepting foreign players on such terms could be a concession and suggested that citizenship could change the dynamic for prospective athletes. He also touched on broader geopolitical shifts and implications for the Baltic region, indicating uncertainty about long-term intentions in the area.
In related developments, Dynamo Riga announced it would not participate in the upcoming KHL season, marking a historic turn as the league sees limited foreign participation. On March 9, the Latvian club disclosed its withdrawal, leaving only two foreign teams in the league, Dinamo Minsk and Barys Nur-Sultan.