Israel Demands EuroLeague Return Home Games After Nearly Three Years

Israel's Minister of Culture and Sports, Miki Zohar, has formally requested the EuroLeague's CEO, Dejan Bodiroga, to initiate the process of returning home games for Israeli basketball teams to Israel. Zohar's letter, sent nearly three years after the events of October 7th, highlights that Israel's sports routine has resumed under full security with tens of thousands of spectators. He proposed that a EuroLeague delegation visit Israel to assess the facilities and security arrangements, emphasizing the country's commitment to providing all necessary guarantees for the safety of visiting clubs and international staff.

The minister's appeal comes amid growing frustration among Israeli basketball fans, particularly following the EuroLeague's decision to host its new Super Cup tournament in Abu Dhabi and allow a Dubai club to play home games. Zohar argued that these decisions demonstrate the feasibility of holding major basketball events in the region and called for equitable treatment of Israeli teams. He pointed out that hosting games in the United Arab Emirates necessitates applying the same standards to Israeli clubs.

In parallel with the government's action, fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv have launched a widespread social media campaign using the hashtag #EuroLeagueToTLV. They are directly appealing to the EuroLeague's management, demanding fairness and the return of games to the Yad Eliyahu Arena in Tel Aviv. This fan-led initiative, along with the government's efforts, aims to end what is described as the 'sporting exile' of Israeli teams.