By Bugra Uzar/ Buzar@Eurohoops.net
The mandate of the FIBA Europe Board term of office 2014-19 formally concluded on Thursday, in Munich, Germany, where it convened for the last time and president Turgay Demirel doesn’t have the support of the Turkish basketball federation for possible re-election.
The elections will take place tomorrow in Munich and the TBF president Hidayet Turkoglu made the following statement urging for a change in FIBA Europe’s leadership: “We require dedicated management to create a mutual understanding for expanding basketball in Europe. If we continue to act as we have been doing for the last five years, we risk to further lose our grip in Europe. The current management has caused an evident weakening of FIBA Europe against the growing position of Euroleague. I would like to make a call for all European Federations to select a candidate that would work transparently, in full cooperation with all members of the federation and of course with ethical values. We certainly should all agree on a management model where national teams, clubs, and cups are strongly supported by FIBA Europe. After all, our main goal is to create a dependable strong structure that European basketball deserves. As controversial as it may sound, the Turkish Basketball Federation is not supporting the current management for a good cause.
I’m going to Munich to determine which candidate will work for the best interest of FIBA Europe and has the potential to solve all the challenges that I have cited.”