By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Cem Ciritci, Fenerbahçe Beko’s branch manager, spoke to Fenerbahçe TV about the EuroLeague game against Olympiacos, which was postponed due to adverse weather and a government-mandated safety decision.
He expressed frustration that the club’s proposals to reschedule the match for the following day or Saturday were rejected due to other games in the same city.
“Two hours before the game, EuroLeague officials informed us that the match was canceled due to a safety decision by the Greek government caused by adverse weather, and that it would be rescheduled. We immediately acted and contacted all relevant authorities, even suggesting the game be played the following day,” Ciritci explained, and continued:
“Our proposal was rejected because teams from the same city (Olympiacos–Panathinaikos) cannot play two games on the same day. In the past, we’ve faced similar situations with Anadolu Efes. Traveling from Turkey, we lost time and effort. We also proposed playing the game on Saturday, but it was denied because of Olympiacos–AEK,” Ciritci continued.
Ciritci emphasized that the postponement was purely for safety reasons, not for EuroLeague convenience.
“The reason for yesterday’s cancellation was fan safety, a government decision. The conditions today are the same. If the game goes ahead tonight, it will not be about safety but rather an issue with a water leak at Olympiacos’ arena. We already submitted the necessary correspondence and lodged an official complaint with EuroLeague. We will be closely following tonight’s game,” he added.
He concluded with a pointed remark.
“We came here to play basketball, but if they want to play chess, we’re good at that too.”