EuroLeague faces backlash as Fenerbahce criticizes postponed Paris game

The anticipated EuroLeague game between Paris Basketball and Fenerbahce Beko was postponed due to an illness outbreak that left Paris unable to meet the minimum roster requirement.

Fenerbahce criticized the decision, calling canceling the Paris game a dangerous precedent and demanding better preparedness from EuroLeague management.

Evan Fournier seconds Fenerbahce’s reaction to postponed Paris game

Fenerbahce Beko openly condemned the decision to postpone the game, citing concerns about the integrity of the league.

The club stated, “This decision creates a dangerous precedent and opens the door for potential abuse in the future.” The club emphasized its commitment to competing despite facing similar challenges during the season, adding, “Our team has continued to fight without excuses, even while dealing with injuries and illnesses.”

Fenerbahce also expressed frustration over the impact on its supporters. Hundreds of fans had traveled to Paris to attend the game, and the club called the inconvenience unacceptable. “This situation is particularly upsetting because of the challenges faced by our loyal fans,” Fenerbahce stated.

EuroLeague star Evan Fournier voiced his dissatisfaction with the postponement.

Every team is playing through illness and injuries every night. If you can’t present enough players, it should count as a loss. Allowing cancellations opens the door for teams to manipulate the rules.

The Olympiacos player wrote on X.

EuroLeague explains its decision to postpone Fenerbahce Beko-Paris game

EuroLeague released a statement explaining the reasoning behind the postponement.

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 17 game between Paris Basketball and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has been suspended due to the impossibility of Paris Basketball to have a minimum of eight players included on the Authorization List and fit to play due to injury or illness.

The league announced

Paris Basketball confirmed the situation, stating that the outbreak left the team unable to compete. The club added that it was working with authorities to reschedule the game and reassured fans that tickets would remain valid for the new date.

Paris Basketball struggles with illness, roster shortages

The outbreak had already impacted Paris Basketball earlier in the week. Key players, including EuroLeague star TJ Shorts, missed Tuesday’s game against Real Madrid.

Head coach Tiago Splitter described the challenges his team faced. “Some players were feeling sick, but they still wanted to play. Unfortunately, the virus spread quickly, and the team doctor confirmed the severity this morning,” he explained.

Paris Basketball’s inability to field eight healthy players led to the decision to postpone the game. According to EuroLeague bylaws, a team must have at least eight players available to participate. The game was the first EuroLeague postponement this season.

Fenerbahce Beko calls for improved measures from EuroLeague management

Fenerbahce demanded that EuroLeague take stronger measures to prevent similar issues in the future. “EuroLeague management must anticipate these situations and implement proper precautions at the beginning of the season,” the club stated.

The team called on the league to enforce rules that require clubs to build stronger youth systems, ensuring sufficient player availability during emergencies. Fenerbahce also noted the strain of a packed schedule on teams, which includes domestic league games and double-game weeks.

Despite the challenges, Fenerbahce affirmed its commitment to the league and announced its preparation for upcoming matches. The team returned to Istanbul immediately after the postponement.

EuroLeague has yet to announce a rescheduled date for the Paris-Fenerbahce game. Further updates are expected in the coming days.