ELPA’s Nachbar: In a couple a week we hope to know if EuroLeague continues or is cancelled

ELPA president Bostjan Nachbar spoke about the suspension of the EuroLeague season due to the coronavirus outbreak in Europe.

Nachbar was interviewed by Moshe Barda of ONE.

How do you guys monitor what’s going on in each country and with all of the players?

We keep in touch daily with players from EuroLeague teams and they keep us updated. There are differences between how clubs are approaching this situation, so it is important for us to see what is happening in each club so that we can advise players on how to approach the situation.

Is there a force majeur clause ? Will the players get paid?

"Force Majeur" will probably be the words most spoken in the world of professional sports if the season get cancelled. In some countries it is possible that national employment and health safety laws might come into play. In the end, there will not be a one-fits-all approach regarding all clubs and players. These issues will become clearer over the coming days and weeks. ELPA will continue to address this point with EuroLeague and clubs, conscious of the fact that the financial reality of some clubs will create significant challenges.

What a bout players wanting to get back home, with leagues being postponed is there any point at keeping them in their teams despite practices being prohibited in some countries?

We try to advise players to be conscious of the fact that it is not completely safe to travel at this point. Contracting a virus and spreading it to players family upon their arrival home is a legitimate concern. Also, will those players be able to return if the season does continue? But we understand the human factor. In a crisis like this, anyone, not just players, want to be back home. If players do wish to leave we strongly suggest them that they obtain a written approval from the club to do so. We are hoping that within a couple of weeks we will know either if EuroLeague continues or is completely cancelled. Patience is the key.

What are the main concerns with the players that were brought up to ELPA?

Their safety. Majority of players were seeking our advise whether it is safe to travel. Of course, players want to know as soon as possible if season will continue or not. This decision needs to be made soon. In connection to that, there are legitimate concerns about their salaries.

How do you handle such a crisis?

It has been tough. Emotional. Lots of pressure. And if season gets cancelled we anticipate to have many cases of players seeking our help with securing their salaries.

Realistically speaking, do you see a way that the EL season will continue somehow?

I think it is still too early to say. This decision will probably be know within couple of weeks. But since we are still seeing this crisis getting deeper for now, I am afraid every day that goes by there is less chance to save the season. But, I am an optimist and I do wish season can continue so that players can continue to do what they love the most – play basketball. In a safe environment, of course.