By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Before the 18 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague participating teams discuss any necessary actions in the wake of the war in Ukraine, ELPA, the EuroLeague Players’ Association, released a statement regarding potential decisions.
Per the press release: “In the light of unprecedented events in Ukraine and the upcoming EuroLeague and clubs’ meeting, we insist that any decisions made about the continuation and regularity of the competition are done with players, coaches, club personnel and referees safety in mind as an absolute number one priority.
We realize the complexity of the situation, but trust that correct decisions will be made. We continue to offer our utmost support to players individually and collectively as the situation develops over the next hours, days and weeks.”
The meeting will take place today, Friday, Euroleague Basketball confirmed via an announcement on Thursday. Meanwhile, all three Regular Season Round 27 games involving the Russian teams, CSKA Moscow, Zenit Saint Petersburg, and UNICS Kazan, were suspended.
LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne owner Tony Parker made it clear that his team will not travel to Russia, despite the current schedule featuring away games opposite Zenit and UNICS, next Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.
Zalgiris Kaunas has decided to boycott all future games in Russia. The Lithuanian powerhouse is scheduled to visit CSKA on March 25 and Zenit on April 8.
FC Barcelona had opted to postpone its own trip to Russia before the Round 27 contest opposite Zenit was officially suspended. Currently following on the schedule, the away matchup versus CSKA Sunday.
Photo Credit: EuroLeagueBasketball.net