Turkish Airlines EuroLeague relocates Anadolu Efes-Maccabi game to Latvia
Maccabi Playtika player Roman Sorkin (#9) in yellow uniform reaches for the ball against Anadolu Efes defenders during Week 3 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague match at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, Serbia. The game was played on neutral ground, with Sorkin elevating above blue-uniformed Anadolu Efes players attempting to block his shot in Belgrade, Serbia on 16 October, 2024. (AA Photo)
The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague announced Monday that the upcoming Round 32 matchup between Anadolu Efes Istanbul and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv will be played in Riga, Latvia, rather than at Efes’ home court in Istanbul.
“The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Round 32 game between Anadolu Efes Istanbul and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv will be played at Xiaomi Arena in Riga, Latvia. The game will be played on Friday, March 28 at 19:30 (7:30 p.m.) local time, 17:30 (5:30 p.m.) GMT,” EuroLeague officials said in a statement.
According to the announcement, the venue change follows recommendations from both Turkish and Israeli government authorities. The league did not elaborate on the specific security concerns prompting the relocation.
Anadolu Efes confirmed that the game will proceed with spectators in attendance, adhering to security protocols established by relevant authorities.
The decision comes amid a challenging season for both clubs. Anadolu Efes currently sits in 12th place in the EuroLeague standings with a 13-14 record, while Maccabi Tel Aviv occupies the 17th position with just seven wins against 20 defeats.
This marks another instance of geopolitical considerations affecting international sporting events, particularly those involving Israeli teams competing abroad.
The game is scheduled for March 28 at Xiaomi Arena in the Latvian capital.
