By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Turkish Basketball Federation president Hedo Turkoglu commented on the decision by EuroLeague Basketball to hold the EuroCup game between Darussafaka Tekfen and Virtus Bologna in Belgrade, Serbia due to concerns for the coronavirus outbreak.
Turkoglu’s statement is as follows, per the Turkish Federation:
The latest decision by Euroleague on the upcoming 7DAYS EuroCup game between Darüşşafaka Tekfen and Segafredo Virtus Bologna has been a major disappointment. The game, initially scheduled in İstanbul, was suspended due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak in Italy and now it will be played in Belgrade, Serbia on March 5. This incomprehensible decision by Euroleague, despite our efforts and all the other options recommended by Darüşşafaka Tekfen, is against all values and spirit of the game.
The controversy with the situation arises from the simple fact that the Head Coach and some other players of Virtus Bologna are from Serbia, thus creating an unfavorable shift against sportsmanship and undesirable environment for our club Darüşşafaka Tekfen. I would urge Euroleague towards being more careful while making such decisions.
I believe the Turkish basketball community, along with all teams, players and corporate stakeholders are resentful of this decision.”