By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
While the decision is not final yet, it’s obvious that the ABA League is not eager to add Olympiacos – and Panathinaikos or any other team – in their competition. This turn of events is not a surprise for the Greek club. Member of Olympiacos management have met with many Adriatic League clubs officials during the last few weeks and they have seen the signs.
Meanwhile, with Olympiacos being relegated to the Greek second division, the scenario of the Reds practically playing only in the EuroLeague is not far away. Olympiacos intends to have a second roster for the Greek second division, which will include many players of the junior team. NBA prospect Aleksej Pokusevski is included on this team, which recently won the junior Greek championship title.
The first team will compete only in the expanded EuroLeague which will have 34 rounds next year. The fact that Olympiacos will not be part of the Greek top division, doesn’t affect the status of the team in the EuroLeague, as Jordi Bertomeu clarified.
EuroLeague accepts that the situation of Olympiacos doesn’t have to do with on-court results, but it’s something unique. Having said that, Olympiacos is still waiting for two verdicts from the high council for the solution of athletic disputes – the highest sports court in Greece – which in theory can nullify the last round of the Greek league regular season and the playoffs.
The Greek League, however, has already announced that the playoffs will not be voided no matter what. Still, a verdict in favor of Olympiacos can be the shield of the team in disputes with sponsors and also will help the intention of the EuroLeague to modify the current rules and include provisions for cases like Olympiacos.
So, what started as a feud between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos for the refereeing in the Greek league, may end up accidentally being the start of a new era for the EuroLeague. It has to be noted that Olympiacos is expected to lose a sum around 20% of its current revenues due to the absence from the Greek league, but this was a conscious decision taken by the owners.
On the other hand, there’s already concern from other EuroLeague teams about the fact that with only one competition to focus, Olympiacos will have an advantage on the court next season.