Timur Rustamov
Moscow
Already in the afternoon in the hallway of the fourth floor of a building on the ROC Luzhnetskaya waterfront was crowded. Doors conference room where the meeting began with the participation of the RSE management, VTB United League and its eight Russian clubs (not present only the “Avtodor”), representatives of the Ministry of Sports and Olympic Committee, surrounded by journalists. The reason for the meeting unfortunate: disqualification male Russian team with a consequent removal of EuroBasket 2017. Immediate sanctions by FIBA - punishment for an agreement United League quota in the European Cup. And Russia – only one of the 14 countries at risk of disqualification of the main men’s team. Today is the deadline provided by international officials to present evidence of non-cooperation with the European Cup.
The first out of the door, about two hours after the meeting, there were employees of Ministry of Sports and OCD. Next came the general director of United League Andrei Shirokov , then president of the CSKA Andrei Vatutin . Soon they were pulled alternately and others. Everyone who passed the cordon journalists unanimously refused to comment and redirecting questions federation. The head of the Russian basketball Andrei Kirilenko left the room last, and he had to take the rap for all. However, he was pleased the audience with his answers very short time
-. We are members of the Movement of FIBA, basketball and a top priority of the Russian Federation – the national team – said Kirilenko. – And we will do all that they are always involved in all the big tournaments and represented our country. In this regard, we do not support the European Cup, and was sent to the United League VTB requirement that clubs that will be in the next season to participate in this tournament, are automatically disqualified
-. In other words, you are completely FIBA adopted a position
-? Of course
-. But at the United League signed a 3-year contract with the Euroleague and European Cup. What to do about it
-? I do not know, this relationship United League and the Euroleague
How to react to the decision of clubs RSE? Photos Nikita Uspensky, “SE”
– How to react to your position by representatives of the League and the clubs were present at the meeting
-? They were in a difficult situation. But our position is to protect the interests of the national team, and our decision reflects our role as a member of the international movement
– But there is a conflict of interests. Federation – for the teams, the league – for the clubs. What leverage in the Federation on the commercial tournament
-? Today, there is the championship of Russia, the rights transferred to it United League. But since RBF is a member of the FIBA championship, organized under the auspices of our must take place within the legal framework of the international movement. Otherwise, possible action by the RSE, such as termination of the agreement on transfer of rights
-. Are not you afraid that the strongest Russian teams remain in the United League and in the championship of Russia will play teams from the Super League ?
– I repeat, our priority – this team. If it does not play on the European Championship qualifying tournament in this year, we will automatically miss the next five years, including the Olympic Games-2020
-. Official letter to FIBA has sent
– We just finished
The last phrase Kirilenko dropped already going down the stairs.. It can be seen that the president is still in great shape.
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