Kirov deputies opposed funding for professional sports.

      At the meeting of the Legislative Assembly committee, during the discussion of amendments to the budget, the issue of funding professional sports came up, specifically regarding two professional teams. Several deputies opposed this.

      Albert Bikalyuk stated that the authorities want to allocate an additional 105 million rubles to the two teams on top of the already allocated 125 million rubles. He called this nonsense and suggested directing that money towards equipment for participants of the Special Military Operation, indexing payments for labor veterans, and improving the quality of food for children in schools. Bikalyuk also criticized the Minister of Sports for not finding sponsors to fund the professional teams.

      After that, a small argument arose between Bikalyuk and deputies Roman Titov and Sergey Mamaev. Bikalyuk and Titov began to argue about who interrupted whom and who has the right to speak. Mamaev fiercely defended Bikalyuk, expressing outrage that he was not allowed to voice his opinion. He added that he believes this opinion is correct and that he has come to the same conclusions himself.

      Titov expressed the opinion that Mamaev does not respect those present, as he allows himself to interject with comments. Mamaev asked, "Who do I not respect? You?" "Not you, but you all," Titov replied. "I don't herd sheep with you."

      The conflict was interrupted by the first deputy head of the government, Dmitry Kurdyumov. He stated that money has been allocated for labor veterans, and that participants of the Special Military Operation have equipment. He also mentioned that professional teams should exist, as this is what the majority of residents of the Kirov region want.

      Deputy Vladimir Ponaryev disagreed. In his opinion, for most people, it is not essential whether there are professional teams or not; they are concerned with more pressing issues. He gave the example that in Arbazh there is a children's football field that is in such poor condition that children are almost breaking their legs there. He suggested directing the money to that field instead of helping "Dynamo."