George Vassilakopoulos (left) and Eduardo Portela
Unity restored to European Basketball
FIBA is pleased to announce that at the meeting held today in Geneva at FIBA’s headquarters, FIBA Europe and the Union of European Basketball Leagues (ULEB) have effectively ended a 4-year dispute over European Club Competitions, that started in 2000.
In the presence of FIBA Secretary General Emeritus Mr. Borislav Stankovic and FIBA Secretary General Mr. Patrick Baumann, the following representatives from FIBA Europe and ULEB signed the agreement:
FIBA Europe President Mr. George Vassilakopoulos, ULEB President Mr. Eduardo Portela, Executive Director of FIBA Europe Mr. Nar Zanolin, and CEO of Euroleague Mr. Jordi Bertomeu.
“This agreement is a great step forward for European basketball,” said George Vassilakopoulos.
“We are looking forward to a close co-operation with ULEB.”
According to this agreement all European Club Competitions are officially sanctioned by FIBA Europe.
No changes in the format of the competitions are foreseen for the 2004-2005 season. As of the season 2005-2006, ULEB will administer, on behalf of FIBA Europe, the two top men’s European Club Competitions with 48 teams from at least 16 countries. FIBA Europe will administer directly all other levels of European Club Competitions.
This agreement will tremendously benefit all the basketball family and contribute significantly to the further development of basketball in Europe.
“After 4 years, we are delighted to have reached an agreement with ULEB,” said Nar Zanolin.
“We have overcome a significant obstacle to the growth of basketball in Europe and we hope that we can continue to work in the best interests of our sport..”
=> Source: www.fibaeurope.com <=
