By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
After mentioning that the initial protocols implemented for the 2020-21 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and 7DAYS EuroCup campaigns are not the best for the status of the mentioned European club competitions, Zenit Saint-Petersburg GM, Manos Papadopoulos, reentered the subject stressing his trust in the leadership and the 11 teams holding long-term licenses.
“We have a common solution for the current situation,” he said, “It seems that we are learning more and more about the coronavirus, but every new day seems to prove we know nothing. Even doctors can’t provide answers unequivocally.”
Euroleague Basketball proposed a modification to the Special Regulations. An approval will reschedule every game that did not take place rather than canceling them and ruling 20-0 defeats for teams unable to comply.
“We need to ensure basketball is united, and the EuroLeague teams are all together. Everyone wants a fair season,” Papadopoulos pointed out, “I trust the EuroLeague leadership and the 11 big teams playing in the championship.”
Zenit did not make the trip to Spain due to the coronavirus crisis limiting players available for the Russian club. Initial rules required at least eight fit players to avoid the 20-0 loss.
“We are in touch with EuroLeague executives and managements of other teams, I believe everyone needs a common solution,” he mentioned, “When the initial protocols were implemented, the world was facing a different situation. We really don’t know how the situation will evolve in a few months.”
“I don’t know the exact timetable for the return of all players,” he added referring to Zenit’s current state, “We must be careful. This is a very serious situation. We don’t know how everyone’s body will react to the virus.”