By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
FIBA is threatening Euroleague with a complaint to the EU and “any other competent authority”, something which is already done by Euroleague against FIBA, accusing the clubs which are also part of the Euroleague Commercial Assets company (ECA), of acting in favor of just a small elite.
As it was revealed today by the Greek website SportFM.gr such a letter was send to Panathinaikos urging the club to
rectify ECA’s behaviour, which is currently damaging the long-term future of club competitions in Europe. In particular, you shall issue the necessery directions to your club’s employees in ECA. FIBA’s door remains open for dialogue on these matter but continued disregard of applicable laws, FIBA’s statutory framework, and the welfare of European basketball would result in action being taken against ECA, which may include a complaint to the European Commision and any other competent authority.
You are herewith invited to pledge towards FIBA as well as publicly that you and ECA will from now on refrain from the abusive behaviour described above.
The letter is signed by FIBA general secretary Patrick Baumann and FIBA Europe Executive Director Kamil Novak and discribes what, according to FIBA’s view, is a structure in which a majority of six clubs out of the eleven with an A license can decide the future of European basketball, while the rest of the five clubs have to support the majority’s decision or there will be a 10 million euros penalty for them.