The answers on Wednesday evening were provided by Martynas Pocius, head of communications at “Žalgiris”.
About the fact that the capital’s club is looking for a communications manager and a commercial communications coordinator, A. Tapinas announced on his social networks back in mid-May.
“Jokes about needing more central defenders are accepted and appreciated, but in the communications market at least the transfer windows are always open,” A. Tapinas ironized in the announcement.
He became president of “Žalgiris” at the end of 2025 and has repeatedly emphasized that he holds this position on a voluntary basis – he does not earn a cent.
On Wednesday, a post began actively circulating in the public space claiming that A. Tapinas’s 23-year-old son Vakaris also works at “Žalgiris”.
In one of the photos, it can be seen that Vakaris L Tapinas signs a letter as the commercial communications coordinator of VŠĮ FK “Žalgiris”.
On Wednesday evening, even the ruling political force in Lithuania – the Social Democratic Party – spoke on this topic.
Vilnius “Žalgiris” responses to the portal 15min:
“Before answering the questions, the club first draws attention to the incorrect information appearing in the public space — Vilnius “Žalgiris” is not a public enterprise of the Vilnius city municipality or controlled by it. The majority of the club’s shareholders are private individuals and legal entities. The financial funds provided by the Vilnius city municipality are allocated for the implementation of a high-performance sports project, used according to a predetermined purpose, and are strictly accounted for,” began communications manager M. Pocius.
– Is it true that A. Tapinas’s son Vakaris works at Vilnius “Žalgiris”? If so, since when?
– Vakaris Tapinas does not have an employment contract with Vilnius “Žalgiris” club, so he cannot be considered a club employee. He provides services to the club under a service agreement. It was signed on August 17.
– Does he hold the position of commercial communications director?
– No, Vakaris provides commercial communications coordinator services and does not hold any managerial positions in the club. This position in the club is treated as a junior specialist.
– Did the club president also decide on hiring Vakaris Tapinas? Do you see a possible conflict of interest?
– In the recruitment for work or service provision to Vilnius “Žalgiris”, the club president, director, and/or the head of the relevant department usually participate. In this case, the club president informed the director and the main club shareholder that he would not participate in any selections, interviews, or decisions. The decision on cooperation with Vakaris Tapinas was made by the club director after receiving the evaluation from the head of the commercial department.
– If I understand correctly from Vakaris Tapinas’s LinkedIn, he is currently studying Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. How does he manage to combine this with work? Perhaps he works part-time?
– Vakaris’s personal account on the social network “LinkedIn” has long been inactive, so the information there is outdated and irrelevant.
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