Belarus’ NOC discusses support measures for sports organizations

On 17 September 2025 Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko signed Decree No. 337 “On Providing Support to Sports Organizations”. The document was adopted to create proper, equal, and fair conditions for the development of physical education and sports in the country, and to optimize support measures for physical education and sports organizations.

On 16 December, a seminar-meeting at the NOC of Belarus was held under the chairmanship of Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Natalya Petkevich. It was attended by President of the NOC of Belarus Viktor Lukashenko, Belarusian Sport and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk, representatives of sports federations and clubs, the Sport and Tourism Ministry, the Finance Ministry, the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade, and the Taxes and Duties Ministry. In total, over 500 people participated, with approximately 300 joining online.

“The decree regulates the use of state funds. The main thrust of the new regulation concerns precisely this. The state regulates how money that is provided is to be used, that is fair. As for everything concerning private funds, federations and clubs are not prohibited from using them for their own purposes,” said Natalya Petkevich.

Viktor Lukashenko emphasized that the topic of today’s educational seminar is highly relevant and long overdue for the entire sports industry and the public.

“I would like to note that we have been working towards this document for a very long time; this decree has been in development for several years. A great many aspects needed to be considered and gotten right, so there were many discussions, and even some disputes, from which, as they say, truth is born. I am confident that, as a result of the close cooperation of all stakeholders, we have managed to develop the most effective support mechanisms for our sports industry, and all these changes will only be for the good. In the very near future, we will need to adjust, learn to live with them and, most importantly, work effectively,” said Viktor Lukashenko, President of the NOC of Belarus.

According to Dzmitry Dauhalionak, Vice President of the NOC of Belarus, the hall could not accommodate everyone who wished to attend. A special video broadcast was organized so that everyone could see and hear all the topics that were discussed.

“Everyone was interested in the timelines for receiving funds. The experts explained in detail the procurement mechanism, taxation in the sports industry, and the allocation of funds. Everyone heard it firsthand. I think many left with a specific thought: the timeframe to implement all this is tight. We need to get everything done on time,” said Dzmitry Dauhalionak, Vice President of the NOC of Belarus.

Deputy Sport and Tourism Minister Aleksandr Baraulya explained why the new document is so important for the industry.

“The fundamental difference between Decree No. 337 and the previous version, Decree No. 191, is that federations and clubs will be able to receive a subsidy for their operational activities. Previously, they had to work on obtaining tax benefits or seek sponsors, and these funds did not always arrive rhythmically and on time. According to Decree No. 337, stable support is guaranteed for key areas of activity: the sports calendar, maintenance of the material and technical base, procurement of inventory and equipment, and salaries. For everything else, there are existing mechanisms and tax benefits that allow sports clubs and federations to earn money independently.”

It should be noted that Decree No. 337 “On Providing Support to Sports Organizations” improves the approach to sports financing, making it more transparent, targeted, and controlled, with an emphasis on results.

Press service of the NOC of Belarus
Photos by the NOC of Belarus