By Stefan Djordjevic/ info@eurohoops.net
There have been many questions regarding the fate of the 2019-20 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season as well as how that will impact the 2020-21 campaign.
One of them was in which format will the competition return next season, with the debate being particularly important for the teams connected with the wild card spots as well as those that could get their tickets via 7DAYS EuroCup.
Zenit Saint Petersburg’s was one of the teams whose position was in doubt, especially with Partizan NIS and Segafredo Virtus Bologna pushing to find a spot in the 2020-21 lineup.
However, EuroLeague decided to return on October 1, counting on the same 18 teams. That means Zenit will stay in the elite competition and the club has welcomed the decision in its statement.
Per Zenit Saint Petersburg:
On Monday, May 25, the Euroleague leadership held a videoconference with clubs holding license A, at which it was decided to cancel the current season. This year’s champion will not be determined.
The important news for our club was that for the next season the tournament will retain the same participants who fought in this one. This means that Zenit will fight again in the Euroleague!
Director General of Zenith Alexander Tserkovny :
– We had no doubt that the Euroleague will make the only right decision based on the analysis of the existing situation after all parties have been listened. The process of passing the final verdict against the backdrop of unprecedented events in the world once again underlines the very high level of management of the best basketball league in Europe. Of course, we are upset at the end of the season, but the main priority now is the health of all participants in the events, and the main goal is to make the 2020/21 season compensate for everything with the level of basketball and the quality of basketball that the entire basketball world has lost due to pandemic. BC Zenit is happy for the second chance to play in the Euroleague and will do everything to take advantage of it. Congratulations to our fans!