By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
The Union of Euroleague Basketball Officials, UEBO, released an official statement following the recent allegations of Mykola Ambrosov regarding members Boris Ryzhyk and Ilias Koromilas.
Ambrosov, 42, accused the two referees of attempting to bribe him before Finals Game 2 of the 2020-21 edition of EuroCup.
Per the official statement of the Union of Euroleague Basketball Officials: “Regarding the recent allegations made in public by ex-referee, Mr. Mykola Ambrosov, against two of UEBO members, claiming an attempted bribery concerning his officiating, we wish to clarify our stance on the matter:
1. UEBO is fully confident and trust in the moral and ethical of our current members.
2. Upfront, the allegations published by Mr. Mykola Ambrosov, looks as completely false, and made as part of his personal matter and interests to cause harm to the Euroleague institute, to UEBO members as all, and to our 2 colleges who suffered his allegations.
3. Our impression based on the following simple facts:
• First, these allegations are coming now, after 2 years following the related game, and was firstly made directly by using the public media and not by approaching the official channels (Especially if we’re consider UEBO members obligation to follow EB guidelines and report immediately in real time, any attempt of shady activities).
• Secondly, it must be known that these allegations come from a person who accused and sentenced by FBU for bribery due to receiving money from his subordinates and for faking a signature on official document.
• Thirdly, it hardly can be coincidence that this allegation was published just a few days after Mr. Ambrosov received an official letter from EB, refusing his request to return to officiate in EB competitions.
4. UEBO respects the decisions made by EB to conduct an official investigation in this case, in order to protect the integrity of the game, and to clean any possible suspicions around our job as referees which is our most basic concern.
5. UEBO stands firm in its commitment to protect the professionalism, integrity and fairness of our members, and to cooperate with any action needed to clear any possible suspicions and allegations.”
Both Ryzhyk and Koromilas responded to the allegations as well.
“I became aware of the statements made by Micola Ambrosov concerning my involvement, which were published online. I want to firmly assert that these allegations directed at me are entirely without merit, and they carry malicious intent to tarnish my reputation and honor, which are fundamental aspects of my identity as an international referee. As a result, I have taken immediate action and engaged my lawyer to initiate legal proceedings against this individual, who is already barred from participating in any basketball activities in Ukraine, a fact that has been communicated to all European referees by UEBO,” noted Koromilas.
“Additionally, I have instructed my lawyer to take necessary legal measures to prevent the uncritical reproduction of these false statements in mass media or on websites without prior verification. The truth has always been my guiding principle throughout my entire professional career, and I hold steadfast to the belief that it will prevail.”
“The integrity of my character as an international referee is of utmost importance to me, and I remain committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in my profession. I value the support I have received from my colleagues and the basketball community, and I am determined to defend my good name against such baseless allegations.”
“With unwavering conviction in the truth, I shall persevere through these challenging circumstances.”
“Yesterday I was reading the news on the Eurohoops and saw my name involved in baseless allegations,” replied Ryzyk, “I want everyone to know that the allegations against me are completely groundless and do not reflect the truth. It is disturbing to see my name in those kinds of affairs.”
“Reserving all my rights, I will be taking immediate proper legal actions against the person who has been disqualified for three years of period ending in September 2024 by the reason of officiating corruption he was involved locally in Ukraine and afterwards due to generating a fake letter with signatures as if written by Ukrainian Basketball Federation at which he was banned in lifelong base from performing of any basketball activity by the Federation.”
“I remain fully committed to the sport of basketball and its values, and I will cooperate wholeheartedly with any relevant authorities in their efforts to establish the truth. I appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate through this process.”