By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
After the similar decisions of the Lithuanian LKL and the Israeli Winners League, the VTB United League became the first major European league that decided to cancel the rest of the season. The clubs met via a conference call and decided that it was the best course of action, as RIA agency reported first and multiple sources confirm.
It has to be noted that Estonia based BC Kalev/Cramo had already decided six days ago to pull out of the league and end its season.
While teams from Poland, Belarus, Estonia, and Kazakhstan compete in the VTB, the core of the league is the Russian clubs, which include EuroLeague participants CSKA Moscow, Khimki Moscow Region, and Zenit St. Petersburg.
This decision may have a domino effect on the rest of Europe, with the Greek League already having decided to ask for the season cancellation from the local sporting authorities.
Meanwhile, the foreign players were allowed to leave for their countries, with Sam Dekker of Lokomotiv Kuban already on the way back to the States and more expected to follow.
CSKA Moscow also announced that its foreign players are free to leave Russia, and the club will provide any traveling help needed.