Le Mans Sarthe Basket hosts Israeli club Hapoel Jerusalem on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 20:00 at the Antarès Arena in a European Cup fixture. The encounter brings together the third-placed French side and an undefeated Israeli opponent featuring former NBA players such as Kenny Lofton, Shake Milton, and David Roddy, with over 3,000 spectators expected at the venue.
Protest Calls and BDS Campaign Demands Match Cancellation
The fixture has drawn swift opposition from local activist groups. The Sarthe branch of the Association France Palestine Solidarité (AFPS 72) denounced the match and organized a public demonstration at Place des Jacobins at 12:45 on Wednesday. In an official statement, the organization characterized the visit by Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem as a form of sports-washing intended to treat Israel as a normal state despite the situation in Gaza and ethnic cleansing in the occupied West Bank. The movement, operating under the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) umbrella, launched an online petition that gathered 123 signatures by mid-afternoon on Wednesday, calling on supporters to stay away and players to refuse to take the court.
This mobilization mirrors previous demonstrations in Le Mans. On March 18, protesters gathered outside the city’s town hall ahead of a Champions League match between the club and Hapoel Holon. Organizers reiterated their position that local authorities, arena management, and club officials should not facilitate events involving Israeli teams.
Wilfried Yeguete Sidelined for Three Months with Elbow Injury
While the club prepares for the European clash, the team faces a significant roster hurdle following an injury to its captain. Le Mans confirmed that pivot Wilfried Yeguete suffered a subluxation of his left elbow during a 24 October 2026 Betclic ELITE victory at Boulazac. The injury occurred during the second quarter when Yeguete dove for a loose ball, forcing him to leave the floor after just seven minutes of play.
Medical examinations confirmed an initial immobilization period of one month, with a total recovery timeline estimated at three months. Sports director Vincent Loriot told Ouest-France that the club does not anticipate the 35-year-old center returning before January 2027. The absence leaves the squad without its primary experienced interior option during a demanding stretch of fixtures spanning both the domestic league and the EuroCup.
Search for a Medical Replacement on a Restricted Market
The prolonged absence of their captain has forced club management to alter their recruitment strategy. Unlike the previous season, when Le Mans chose not to sign a replacement despite the indisponibilities of its captain, the front office is actively seeking a medical joker to fill the frontcourt void, according to Le Maine Libre.
Vincent Loriot noted that finding an available interior player presents considerable challenges. The upcoming launch of the American G-League and a limited pool of European free agents have narrowed the market for frontcourt reinforcements. However, the club retains roster flexibility since they have only registered four American players, avoiding quota restrictions. Guillaume Vizade can also lean on the positional versatility of players like TaShawn Thomas, Lucas Dufeal, and Swann Penda to adjust the rotation while the search continues.
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