Club Statement on the Postponed Paris Basketball – Fenerbahçe Beko Game due to EuroLeague Decision 

As it is known, yesterday EuroLeague made a decision and informed the public that the Paris Basketball – Fenerbahçe Beko game has been postponed to a later date due to the host team’s flu cases and the number of available players falling below eight.

This decision was made in accordance with EuroLeague rules.

Our team, Fenerbahçe Beko, one of the most important stakeholders of EuroLeague, has always shared the mission of this organization to be "the highest level representative of European basketball" and has always taken its steps accordingly. However, the situation yesterday, which led to the postponement, regrettably does not align with the seriousness and level of this organization. While EuroLeague offers basketball fans some of the most special matchups and competitive games in Europe, the league's structure imposes a tough marathon on the participating teams and obligates them to establish organizations capable of meeting these requirements.

Given the large number of games played during the season, including domestic league games and double-weeks, teams are compelled to operate with deeper rosters and manage the financial challenges that come with them. As a result of these requirements, EuroLeague teams are obligated to meet the budgetary standards defined by the rules, while also building strong youth systems that can support them—especially in such emergency situations.

The global Covid-19 pandemic, which the entire world had to face in the recent past, led to situations where matches had to be postponed, taking into account the lethal effects of the disease, in accordance with agreements made among EuroLeague teams. However, the decision to postpone the game just hours before it was scheduled to start cannot be viewed in the same light. This decision, taken under these circumstances, is in no way consistent with the seriousness of an organization like EuroLeague, which has always been supported and defended by us in all environments. It is the responsibility of EuroLeague's management to anticipate such situations, take necessary precautions at the beginning of the season to ensure the continuity of games, and impose necessary sanctions, especially to ensure that teams can receive player support from their youth operations in emergency situations.

We regret the situation Paris Basketball finds itself in and wish a speedy recovery to all individuals affected by the flu cases. However, our team, Fenerbahçe Beko, has fought on without making any excuses despite facing injuries and illnesses throughout the season. For this game, our team traveled from Barcelona to Paris after the first game of a double-week. One of the most upsetting aspects of this situation is the inconvenience faced by our fans.

Hundreds of Fenerbahçe supporters had purchased tickets to support our team at Adidas Arena, traveling from nearby provinces and countries. This inconvenience faced by our valued fans makes this decision even more unacceptable for us.

Additionally, the decision taken creates a dangerous precedent and opens the door for potential abuse in the future. Our team immediately followed the revised travel schedule, arrived in Istanbul last night, and will continue preparations for upcoming games with practice sessions.