By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes coach Ergin Ataman criticized the voting procedure that decided for all 2021-22 games of Russian EuroLeague clubs (CSKA Moscow, Unics Kazan and Zenit St. Petersburg) to be possibly annulled if the war in Ukraine continues.
In an official statement that was published at Efes‘ website, Ataman said that, “With the decision that was taken as a result of the voting, a disadvantageous situation occurred for six teams, including Fenerbahce.” Fener had won all of its three games against the Russian teams and, right now, these victories aren’t counted in the final tally.
Ataman opened his statement by saying,” After the painful developments in Ukraine I’d like to make a statement based on the perception created and fed by some about our decision in the voting that will determine the future of EuroLeague teams representing Russia. First of all, 13 teams participated in the voting and made the choice that would be the most advantageous for them. We voted with this logic, eight weeks before the end, and the system we voted for was accepted with a margin of one vote. I’m sorry for the suffering experienced by all athletes, coaches and technical teams competing in the Russian teams. I wish this war situation never happened and all teams could be on the court.”
“As a sports person, I also stated how wrong this manner of voting is and that this result would give Fenerbahce a disadvantage,” Ataman also mentioned. “In sports, it’s as important to protect the rights of the club you represent on and off the court. With every club I represent, whether domestic or foreign, I’ve always tried to carry the reputation of the Turkish nation at the top. I’ve always made headlines with my Turkish identity in the clubs I worked in Europe. While winning the most important trophies of basketball with Turkish teams, I felt the pride of raising the Turkish flag to the top. I’ve been the person who made the loudest noise whenever Turkish teams suffered an injustice. I’ve fearlessly criticized all kinds of units, organizations and structures when appropriate. My flag and my nation are my red line.”
Ataman concluded by saying the following: “I would like to state again that my wish is for both Turkish teams to make it to the Final Four as a result of the matches being played, and for Turkish basketball to be at the top, which is what it always deserves. I reiterate my wish for the suffering in Ukraine to end as soon as possible and pay my respects.”