Andrei Kirilenko, now ten years into his presidency, said Russia has not played top-level basketball in five years due to Covid and sanctions. “We want to come back. It’s unfair that Russian basketball is absent,” he stated, thanking FIBA for ongoing updates.
A key point was the role of CSKA Moscow in EuroLeague politics. “The club votes but cannot play – it’s absurd,” said Kirilenko. He argued that CSKA’s return would facilitate the Federation’s reinstatement by the IOC, which acts more easily when clear cases are presented.
Kirilenko concluded that “this is not about basketball, it’s about politics.” He expressed hope for change with the IOC’s new leadership in June and added, “Russia will return. It’s only a matter of time.”
Post your comment
Visualizza commenti