By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Before upcoming home games in the Basketball Champions League and BKT EuroCup against Israeli clubs, La Laguna Tenerife and BAXI Manresa issued a joint statement on Sunday evening.
Explaining the security reasons, the ACB clubs announced a decision to face Bnei PenLink Herzliya in Santiago Martin Arena and Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem in Pavello Nou Congost behind closed doors. The fixtures are scheduled on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
Per the press release: “In view of CB Canarias and Basquet Manresa games in the coming days against Israeli teams in various European competitions, and considering the current situation, the teams declare the following:
1. We reiterate our firm commitment to the fundamental values of sport. We categorically reject any form of violence or violation of human rights that occurs in any context.
2. The clubs involved cannot unilaterally decide not to play games in the competitions for which they are registered, as this would entail a breach of contract, with the resulting risk of disciplinary and financial sanctions, as well as expulsion from said competitions.
3. Regarding the scheduled games, after numerous consultations with the relevant bodies, sports authorities, and law enforcement agencies, and based on the information and recommendations received, both teams have decided that the games corresponding to European competitions scheduled for next week at the Santiago Martín and Nou Congost will be played behind closed doors. This decision has been taken to guarantee the safety of all involved and the proper conduct of the games, while fulfilling our contractual obligations.”
Starting the 2025-26 continental journeys, Tenerife carries a 1-0 record in Group D of the BCL Regular Season and Manresa sits at 1-1 in Group A of the EuroCup Regular Season.