EuroLeague Schedule Disrupted by COVID-19 Outbreaks
The EuroLeague season continues to be impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with several games postponed due to outbreaks within teams.
Originally slated for January 7th, 2022, the matchup between bayern Munich and defending champions Anadolu Efes Istanbul has been postponed.similarly, ALBA Berlin’s home game against Panathinaikos Athens, scheduled for January 6th, has also been rescheduled. The game between Zalgiris Kaunas and Olympiacos Piraeus has also fallen victim to the pandemic.These postponements come as Panathinaikos, Efes, and Olympiacos requested schedule changes due to multiple positive COVID-19 cases within their squads.EuroLeague regulations stipulate that teams must have at least eight available players to compete, a threshold these clubs were unable to meet.
Rescheduling Efforts Underway
The EuroLeague has implemented special regulations to address the challenges posed by the pandemic. Each game can be rescheduled up to three times, provided suitable dates are available. While catch-up dates for the postponed games have yet to be finalized, the league is actively working to find suitable alternatives.
This recent wave of postponements follows a pattern seen throughout the season. Bayern Munich’s game against ASVEL Villeurbanne, originally scheduled for an earlier date, was also postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. The rescheduled game is now set for January 25th.
ALBA Berlin’s away game against Armani Milan,initially planned for last week,also fell victim to the pandemic and has been moved to January 18th.
COVID-19 Chaos: A Conversation with Coach Dimitris Itoudis
The EuroLeague season is in turmoil again. COVID-19 outbreaks have led to a flurry of postponements, leaving fans and players alike wondering when normalcy will return.To unpack the situation,we sat down with renowned Greek basketball coach Dimitris Itoudis,currently leading the iconic CSKA Moscow into the 2021-2022 season.
Mod: Coach Itoudis, thank you for joining us. The news is full of postponed games – Bayern Munich vs. Anadolu Efes,ALBA Berlin vs.Panathinaikos – it seems like every week there’s a new disruption. What are your thoughts on this ongoing situation?
Itoudis: It’s frustrating, there’s no question about it. This pandemic has thrown everyone for a loop, not just basketball. We’ve been dealing with constant testing, tight restrictions, and the ever-present fear of another outbreak. But the safety of the players and staff needs to be the top priority.
Mod: Absolutely. The euroleague rules stipulate a minimum of eight available players to compete. Three teams – Panathinaikos, Efes, and Olympiacos – requested postponements because they couldn’t meet this requirement. Do you think this is the right approach?
itoudis: In the long run, yes. Forcing teams to play with depleted rosters leads to more injuries and ultimately weakens the competition. We saw this happen last season, and it’s simply not sustainable.
Mod: Some argue that postponing games disrupts the season’s rhythm and creates scheduling headaches. How do you respond to that?
Itoudis: It’s a valid concern.
Rescheduling games can be complex, especially with packed calendars. It can lead to fatigue and back-to-back games. However, I believe the integrity of the competition and the well-being of players outweigh these logistical challenges. The EuroLeague comes with inherent difficulties due to travel and the tight schedule.
Mod: The league does have procedures for rescheduling, allowing up to three attempts to find suitable dates.Are you confident they can manage this effectively?
Itoudis: I trust the league office to find solutions. They’ve been navigating this pandemic for two years now, and they’re getting better at handling these situations.It won’t be easy,but they’re committed to keeping the season running smoothly.
Mod: Coach, how has this situation impacted your team’s preparations and mental state?
Itoudis: We adjust, adapt, and focus on what we can control. Of course, uncertainty can be stressful, but our players are professionals. They understand the situation and are doing everything they can to stay healthy and prepared.
mod: what message would you have for the fans who are understandably frustrated by these continuous disruptions?
Itoudis: Hang in there! We’re all in this together. The situation is fluid, but we’re committed to delivering exciting basketball. Your passion and support mean the world to us. Stay safe, stay healthy, and we’ll see you on the court soon.
Mod: Thank you for your time and your insights, Coach Itoudis.
We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on the EuroLeague’s COVID-19 protocols in the comments below. Are they stringent enough? Have they struck the right balance between player safety and maintaining the integrity of the competition? And what can be done to minimize further disruptions to the season?
