By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
A central figure in Greek and European basketball, Vasilakopoulos speaks about a “plan” which will end up with the “creation of a closed EuroLeague with a financial and sporting elite”.
The full statement is the following: “Euroleague, ECA and their partners are slowly but steadily and methodically pursuing the downgrading, dismantling and eventual disappearance of the national teams and leagues. They also seek to break the global non-US structure, which consists of chain sports club – national federation – international federation – IOC. The goal is known. The creation of a closed Euroleague with a financial and sporting elite. The plan is ready for a long time and the time and what they are seeking is the manner and the timing of its execution. Certainly, the economic downturn of the national entities that they are trying to enforce, will pave the way for full commercialization.
In this context, the attempt to change the way of the socio-sporting production process of young prospects is part of this plan. The goal is to stop the production of through sports clubs, as is happening everywhere in the world except the US, and to enforce it through the ever-increasing alleged institutes, academies, camps and other high-cost procedures that show up with unfathomable programs and act uncontrollably. In simple terms, the ultimate goal is, among other things, the imposition and establishment of some kind of payment for sports learning. The time has finally come to see the State intervene drastically in order to halt this degenerate pattern that unfolds rapidly.
At last, everyone should understand the usefulness of the qualifying process for the World Cup, seeing the significant benefits in the football field. FIFA and UEFA are not foolish to do so, they are looking to have national team games in front of the local fans, they see that they create more fans this way, hence the financial resources through sponsors that help in the development of the sport, are growing.
Above all, however, we must all accept that the national team does not “belong” to anybody, it is over individuals and organizations and represents internationally the sport and the country. National teams unite, add, they do not take away.
That’s for now”.