Bertomeu: ‘We don’t blame the Russian teams but we can’t remain passive’

The announcement by EuroLeague Basketball to postpone the games of all Russian teams (CSKA Moscow, Zenit and Unics Kazan) until recently does not leave much room for misinterpretation. It’s simple, but also clear.

Shortly after the decision was formalized during the conference call on Monday, February 28, Jordi Bertomeu issued a written statement stating that EuroLeague Basketball cannot remain indifferent to events in Ukraine over the past few days:

“We are appalled by the terrible events that are taking place in Ukraine after Russia invaded. EuroLeague Basketball and its teams have deep roots in their communities. In a situation like today, it is our responsibility to support these communities and give their “faith” a voice.

Sport is not politics and should not be influenced by politics, but we cannot remain passive when we see such a terrible social crisis with so much suffering for the innocent and at the same time clearly see the support expressed by communities across Europe towards the Ukrainian population .

I want to make it clear that we do not hold the Russian clubs, their administration or their staff responsible for any of these developments.

Unfortunately, however, the seriousness of the situation left us no choice but to postpone all matches involving Russian teams, at least for the time being, hoping that this situation will end as soon as possible.“.