By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The messy divorce between Olympiacos and Thomas Walkup has created a ripple effect that may set a very important precedent for how EuroLeague clubs handle transfers, especially when negotiating with players within the EuroLeague ecosystem.
Olympiacos has already sent a letter to Dubai accusing the club of tampering; Dubai has replied, denying the allegations, while Thomas Walkup has unilaterally terminated the contract.
Meanwhile, the legal department of the EuroLeague is also monitoring the case, because the competition wants to make sure the right process is respected for all teams, and from now on, these incidents will get more attention.
The contract dispute is expected to end up at BAT, the Basketball Arbitral Tribunal, which is an independent body, officially recognized by FIBA and outlined by the FIBA General Statutes.
However, EuroLeague is a private league and has its own independent body, the Dispute Resolution Chamber, which initially was used only by coaches; however, it can play a role in any internal dispute.
From the EuroLeague side, the rules are simple and state that under the EuroLeague Framework Agreement (EFA), neither a player nor their agent may negotiate with another club while under contract, unless they receive prior written authorization from their current club.
Similarly, competing clubs are strictly banned from approaching or negotiating with a contracted player without explicit prior consent, or 60 days before the contract expiration date.
It’s a common secret that those rules so far were not strictly imposed. Especially this year, there are many indications that many deals were completed during the season.
The Walkup case may end up being the catalyst for this to change.
Make