The FFBB takes a dim view of the departure of internationals to Russian clubs.
The signings of Livio Jean-Charles and Louis Labeyrie in Russian clubs, the first at CSKA Moscow, the second at UNICS Kazan, appeared shocking at the time of the war in Ukraine, economic sanctions against Russia , and while the French government was very clear on the subject from the start of hostilities, stating:
“French nationals, whose presence and that of their family is not essential in Russia, are strongly recommended to leave the country while this is still possible. (…) The entire territory of Russia is not recommended unless there is an imperative reason. Any travel to Russia should be postponed. »
It is obvious that moving to Russia to play basketball is not an “imperative reason”.
The FFBB did not appreciate these transfers either. This is indicated by the general manager of the France team, Boris Diaw, to The team :
“It is clearly a subject and the Federation will position itself, it will communicate by Tuesday and take a position on the “selectability” of the players but also of the coaches who would engage in Russian clubs. »
Direct consequences: Louis Labeyrie, who is not in the group for the EuroBasket, should not be recalled for the winter windows, whereas if the signing of Thomas Heurtel at Zenit Saint-Petersburg was confirmed, his participation in the competitions of the summer would be compromised.
It should be remembered that the Swede Jonas Jerebko was, for example, excluded from his national team when he was recruited by CSKA Moscow. His federation had not changed position when the player left the Russian club a few weeks later.
Photo : Thomas Heurtel (FIBA)
