By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Andrei Kirilenko gave a long interview in Russian website Sportfact.ru regarding the “war” between Euroleague and FIBA. As a president of the Russian Basketball Federation, Kirilenko openly expressed his alignment with FIBA.
Here is what he said about the two organizations, their tournaments and the effects on the Russian national team:
“Our position is clear.” said Kirilenko. “We want to see as many Russian teams as possible in European competitions and the national team should have the best players available. So it is clear that we stand beside FIBA. The Euroleague calendar doesn’t leave a window open for the obligations of the national teams. To give you an example, if the Russian national team should play a preliminary round game on February, coach Bazaravich won’t be able to count on the players of CSKA Moscow, Khimki Moscow, Lokomotiv Kuban. Neither on Timofey Mozgov or Vasily Karasev (who play in the NBA). This is not the version of the team that we all drea. Of course, we also disagree with the Federation regarding the fact that Russia will only be represented by one team next season. We think that Jordi Bertomeu’s stance towards our clubs and the national team is extremely negative. Also, we should not forget that only FIBA competitions are formal. Euroleague is a commercial tournament.”
The president of the Russian Federation also made it clear that he will let the clubs decide their own fate. “Of course we do not have the intention to determine if a team will play in the Euroleague or FIBA Champions League or anywhere else. Even in the NBA if that would expand in Europe. It is simply necessary to take the best interests of the national team under consideration. The clubs will have to make a decision regarding the future as soon as possible. It is clear that CSKA Moscow has a guaranteed place in Euroleague and will want to continue there. But i don’t know if it makes sense for Khimki or Lokomotiv to play in Eurocup. The FIBA Champions League looks more attractive when you see it from a competitive and financial viewpoint. Until the 20th of March the Champions League draw will take place, the teams must determine their position. Sitting and waiting is the wrong option. Because there is a danger of staying completely out of European competitions next season.”.
Andrei Kirilenko was also asked if the Russian Federation and FIBA will react in case Euroleague continues to ignore the new calendar. “Surely we will not try to ban or fine anyone. This is something that does not really express ourselves. Yes, there are certain rules under which the clubs should let their players join the national teams. But the Russian Federation will not impose any sanction against players or clubs. Not even FIBA is in a position to do that. Everyone is waiting for the clubs to clarify their positions. But I think that the FIBA Champions League is a win-win situation for teams like Zenit St. Petersburg and Nizhny Novgorod”.