Euroleague CEO Paulius Motiejunas made important statements about the future of Israeli clubs in the European cups after the United Nations defined Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide”.
“Politics should not interfere with sports”
Speaking at a press conference held in Dubai hours before the start of the 2025-26 Euroleague season, Motiejunas stressed that sports should stay away from politics: “Politics should not interfere with sports, especially basketball. However, we follow the situation closely.”
UEFA’s decision may be decisive
Motiejunas, who answered the question of the possibility of banning the Israeli clubs from the European cups of the UEFA, said: “The decisions taken by the big sports organizations concern us. Of course, we will not follow the decision of UEFA, but when the other organizations began to react, we will also meet the most important team.”
The status of Israel representatives
Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv are currently fighting in Euroleague. BKT Eurocup’da Hapoel Jerusalem, while the Basketball Champions League Trapani Shark administration, Israeli clubs will make official request to remove the tournament announced.