By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
In a letter signed by the general manager Pavel Astakhov, Khimki states the following: “To our regret, the clubs continue to be held hostage in the conflict that exists in European basketball because of different positions between FIBA and the Euroleague, and we do not have the ability to influence its resolution.
On the eve of the next games of the Russian national team in the qualification for the 2019 FIBA World Cup, we, together with the coaching staff and the guard of our team Alexei Shved, analyzed in detail all possible options. Given the tight schedule of the Khimki’s games in the Euroleague and the VTB United League, the situation in the two leagues and the importance of the upcoming games for our team – a game that could directly affect the Euroleague playoffs, Khimki vs Panathinaikos, will be held on February 23 2018, the same day as the game of the Russian national team – a joint decision was made that in February Alexey Shved will compete for BC Khimki and concentrate on performing club duties.
But we also understand the importance of qualifying games for the Russian team. And despite the fact that this move will significantly weaken our roster, Andrei Zubkov will be part of the national team roster and help the team to succeed in the upcoming games”.