The controversy over the EuroLeague’s return to Israel is escalating. Following Valencia coach Pedro Martínez’s outspoken criticism of the decision to resume games in the country, Turkey’s two leading basketball clubs, Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahçe, issued a rare joint statement opposing the move.
In their official release, the clubs said, “EuroLeague statements claimed the decision-making process was based on consensus among all members, but in fact no vote was held on the matter. It was only decided to monitor developments. Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahçe openly expressed their opposition and concerns about the possible consequences of such a decision. Discussions with state institutions and EuroLeague management are ongoing.”
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Maccabi Tel Aviv against Anadolu Efes in the first fixture of the EuroLeague
(Photo: Filip Roganovic)
The EuroLeague’s decision to allow games in Israel again, starting December 1, comes after more than two years of absence from European competition.
Maccabi Tel Aviv, one of the EuroLeague’s 13 founding clubs, led the effort to bring games back to Israel. Co-owner Danny Federman held intensive discussions with EuroLeague president Dejan Bodiroga and CEO Paulius Motiejūnas.
Maccabi reviewed the competition’s regulations and found that such a decision could technically be made by the CEO without requiring team approval. Still, Motiejūnas sought to respect the clubs’ opinions given the sensitive security situation, asking whether any objected to resuming play in Israel.
Aware that some clubs would demand security guarantees, Maccabi prepared in advance letters from President Isaac Herzog, Police Commissioner Daniel Levi, the Foreign Ministry, and the Ministry of Culture and Sports. The assurances helped ease concerns from Turkish, Italian, and Spanish teams initially hesitant about the move.