FIBA Europe and the Union of European Basketball Leagues (ULEB) have effectively ended a 4-year dispute over European Club Competitions, that started in 2000, at the meeting held today in Geneva at FIBA's headquarters.
In the presence of FIBA Secretary General Emeritus Mr. Borislav Stankovic and FIBA Secretary General Mr. Patrick Baumann, the following representatives from FIBA Europe and ULEB signed the agreement: FIBA Europe President Mr. George Vassilakopoulos, ULEB President Mr. Eduardo Portela, Executive Director of FIBA Europe Mr. Nar Zanolin, and CEO of Euroleague Mr. Jordi Bertomeu.
According to this agreement all European Club Competitions are officially sanctioned by FIBA Europe.
No changes in the format of the competitions are foreseen for the 2004-2005 season. As of the season 2005-2006, ULEB will administer, on behalf of FIBA Europe, the two top men’s European Club Competitions with 48 teams from at least 16 countries. FIBA Europe will administer directly all other levels of European Club Competitions. This agreement will tremendously benefit all the basketball family and contribute significantly to the further development of basketball in Europe.