Israeli clubs Bnei Ofek Dist Herzliya, Ironi Ness Ziona, and Hapoel Galil Elion have officially announced their withdrawal from the FIBA Europe Cup due to difficult conditions set by FIBA. The ongoing war with Hamas in Israel has led to these teams being allowed to play home games in Cyprus. However, the clubs believe that the conditions set by FIBA were impossible to fulfill. One such condition was to play three group games between November 6-17 by organizing one match per week at most, which is theoretically impossible. Additionally, the Israeli teams were not allowed to stay in Cyprus for longer periods, as they were required to arrive 1 day before the game and leave the country the next day after the match finished.
In a joint statement, the clubs expressed their disappointment, stating that they had made many efforts, both financial and professional, to continue participating in the tournament. They also mentioned the lack of cooperation and desire on FIBA’s part to help or find a solution that would allow them to continue competing. The clubs expected a more understanding and inclusive attitude from FIBA, especially in light of the war. They emphasized that basketball and sports should be a bridge of peace connecting people and cultures, and expressed regret that they were denied the right to cross that bridge. The clubs apologized to their fans and expressed their hope to return and represent their fans and Israel soon.
הודעה משותפת לקבוצות עירוני ״חי מוטורס״ נס ציונה, בני Ofek Dist הרצליה והפועל ״נופר״ גליל עליון לגבי השתתפותן במפעל היורופקאפ: pic.twitter.com/eaKK4qo4xU
— Bnei Ofek Dist Herzliya | בני הרצליה (@BHerzliya) October 30, 2023
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