By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Andrey Vatutin talked about the EuroLeague financial fair play with Russian outlet Izvestia and mentioned that CSKA Moscow’s budget for players’ salaries will be around 26 million euros. The president of the Russian team also discussed the connection between EuroLeague and the VTB United League, new-look FC Barcelona Lassa, and other topics.
“CSKA Moscow is among the long-term licensed clubs and does not have to worry, but I would like VTB to be assured of at least one more team” he confessed when asked about the VTB United League potentially losing its guaranteed extra EuroLeague spot.
“The wild card system and eradicating the limit of teams from one country allows us to counter the existing displeasure from various leagues and enter financially attractive markets” he added and on the adjusted EuroLeague financial regulations: “The fair play system and the luxury tax is similar to the American salary cap.”
On Barcelona’s signings and how they fit in the introduced concepts, Vatutin pointed out: “Income mechanisms that are successful in Spain, Italy and Greece, do not work in Russia. Ratings in Russia are incredibly low. If a player receives two identical offers from a Russian team and a Spanish team, he will prefer Spain.”