By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Sergei Ivanov, the honorary president of VTB league, and former minister of defense of Russia from March 2001 to February 2007, spoke in the press conference that was held in Kremlin about the current situation in European basketball.
As he said: “I hope that Euroleague and FIBA find an agreement. Still it is necessary to wait for the European Commission’s decision on the counterclaim filed by the two parties. If the conflict lasts, the main threat is that the club owners will ask a simple question: “What do we gain in order to participate in the FIBA Champions League, except for expenses?” I repeat, I hope the two parties to find a common language. Otherwise, all will suffer – and the clubs and national teams”.
Ivanov, also was very firm when asked about the Russian federation: “The federations should not occupy a dominant position. There are two professional leagues – KHL (hockey league) and VTB League. The leagues and the federations should maintain partnerships to help and complement each other. Federations need to engage in sport for the general public and children’s activities and also the preparation of the national teams. Leagues and clubs develop professional basketball players. We have an excellent partnership with the Russian Federation of basketball without fighting for supremacy, each engaged in its own business”.