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Two of Türkiye's premier basketball clubs have publicly opposed a EuroLeague decision allowing Israeli teams to host home games in Israel starting December 1, raising questions about how the vote was conducted.
Fenerbahce Beko and Anadolu Efes issued a joint statement Wednesday disputing claims that European basketball clubs unanimously agreed to the proposal during an October 21 meeting with EuroLeague management.
"Although the EuroLeague press release and statements by its CEO Paulius Motiejunas indicated that all members were unanimous during the decision-making process, no vote was taken at the meeting," the Turkish clubs said in their statement posted on social media platform X.
The clubs said only a decision to monitor the situation was reached during what they described as an informal gathering. They emphasized that they had voiced opposition and "clearly expressed their concerns about the potential outcome should the decision be implemented."
Israeli clubs have played their EuroLeague and EuroCup home games outside Israel since October 2023, when shareholders decided to relocate matches following the outbreak of war in Gaza. The ceasefire, which began October 10, prompted the league's proposal to return games to Israeli venues.
Three Israeli teams currently compete in European basketball's top competitions. Maccabi Tel Aviv, a six-time EuroLeague champion, and Hapoel Tel Aviv play in the premier EuroLeague, while Hapoel Jerusalem competes in the second-tier EuroCup. During the relocation period, Hapoel Tel Aviv has hosted games in Sofia, Bulgaria, while Maccabi Tel Aviv has used Belgrade, Serbia as its home base.
Both Turkish clubs said they are continuing discussions with Turkish sporting authorities and EuroLeague management about the matter and promised to inform the public of any developments.
Neither Fenerbahce Beko nor Anadolu Efes has played away matches against the Israeli sides in the current EuroLeague season, which began September 30.
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