Euroleague Officials Leave Israel Without Final Decision on Game Return
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Euroleague officials have concluded a 24-hour visit to Israel without a final decision on the return of games. The delegation met with Israeli ministers and basketball executives, who are lobbying for the games to resume in Israel. While some Maccabi Tel Aviv officials are cautiously optimistic, others believe the new Euroleague CEO may be reluctant to force teams back. A potential team vote on the matter could create political hurdles.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Euroleague officials departed Israel after a 24-hour visit without a final decision on resuming games.
- Israeli sports leaders are lobbying Euroleague officials to bring games back to Israel.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv expressed cautious optimism, but concerns remain about the new Euroleague CEO's stance.
- The previous CEO, who supported the return of games, was dismissed shortly after the move.
- A potential team vote on the matter could lead to significant political challenges.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem are collaborating on lobbying efforts and seeking a temporary base in Cyprus.
Euroleague officials are departing Israel after a brief 24-hour visit that included meetings with Israeli sports figures and a review of the current situation. The delegation, led by Euroleague CEO and Competition Manager Diego Gian, met with Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar, Hapoel Jerusalem co-owner Gal Mekel, team CEO Oren Arieli, and player Jared Harper. They also met with David Basan, CEO of the League Management, and Chairman Ari Steinberg. Sources indicate that all parties are collaborating to exert political and personal pressure to bring games back to Israel.
Maccabi Tel Aviv officials expressed cautious optimism following the visit, despite earlier uncertainty about whether the Euroleague leadership would actually come to Israel due to previous postponements. However, individuals familiar with the matter are tempering expectations, suggesting that the Euroleague CEO, as a new CEO, may be hesitant to impose a decision forcing teams back to Israel. This reluctance is partly attributed to the departure of his predecessor, Pau Motiejūnas, who was a strong advocate for the return of games to Israel and was reportedly dismissed by the teams shortly after the move.
It is anticipated that any decision regarding the return of games to Israel might now require a vote by the league's teams, a process that could lead to significant political challenges. This contrasts with the previous decision, which was reportedly led by Motiejūnas. Both Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem are reportedly working together and maintaining close contact to advance the return of games, with both clubs also seeking to relocate to a new home base in Cyprus, hoping this is a temporary measure.
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