By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
As France entered a new lockdown after the significant rise of COVID-19 cases, French basketball continues to struggle financially. While the government has allowed professional basketball to continue its activities, leagues and clubs are waiting for compensation to be able to resume, with fans no longer permitted in the arenas.
In a recent interview with L’Equipe, ASVEL President Tony Parker calls the government for aid “to save” French basketball during these trying times.
“If it lasts longer, we’re going to die. The clubs are going to die. We can’t play behind closed doors for a whole season, it’s impossible. We need the government to help us. It would be good if they dropped the charges. employers, at least for the duration of the confinement. I’m afraid for basketball”, said Parker.
Parker also made himself available to discuss with political leaders of the nation, in order to reach a viable solution that will allow professional teams to resume their activities under these conditions.
“I am available to discuss, be proactive, move forward and find solutions. French basketball has resources. In times of crisis, it is extremely mobilized. But at the end of the day, we will not be able to work miracles. Yes, we can play that way, for a month, we take it upon ourselves. But afterward, it will be impossible. For a long time, the government said that we should no longer depend on communities, city money, etc. This is exactly what we did by developing the marketing, the partnership with our sponsors. But this is killing us. We have to try to unite everyone to try to find a solution and save French basketball”, he adds.
And while French basketball is still struggling with financial aid, so far a number of German teams have reportedly received state aid of 800.000 euros per club, with more clubs hoping to receive it.
At the same time in Israel, Maccabi Tel Aviv has also received a financial boost from the state, getting the lion’s share among other Israeli clubs with 4.17M euros, to be able to resume their activities.