Politis

Ataman: "I have become a sponsor of the EuroLeague with so many fines"

Published March 6, 2026, 17:14
Ataman: "I have become a sponsor of the EuroLeague with so many fines"

Fenerbahce coach Ergin Ataman expressed strong dissatisfaction with the fines imposed on him by the EuroLeague, describing himself as a "sponsor" of the organization due to the amount of the fines. He specifically mentioned a 10,000 euro fine for criticizing referees, arguing that Fenerbahce is treated differently from other teams, such as Maccabi. Ataman also criticized the lack of an official match observer from the EuroLeague, emphasizing that responsibility is limited to the referees, which can lead to problematic situations. He proposed the need for a EuroLeague official to prevent problems, such as banners or offensive behavior. He expressed hope that the entry of the NBA into Europe will lead to a more serious approach to these issues by the EuroLeague, citing the presence of match commissioners in the Champions League and FIBA games. Finally, Ataman argued that a possible merger of the EuroLeague with the NBA would be a positive development, given the growing popularity of European basketball and the intense competition.