French Basketball Federation responds to Thomas Heurtel deal in Russia / News - Basketnews.com

The French Basketball Federation (FFBB) warned Thomas Heurtel that if he were to play a single match for a Russian club, he would no longer be selected for the French national team in the future.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Thomas Heurtel signed a deal with a club in Russia yesterday despite previously agreeing to not negotiate with teams from the aggressor country.

Thomas Heurtel

Position:PG, SGAge:33Height:188 cmWeight:91 kgBirth place:FranceProfileNewsStatistics

Having learned the news, the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) responded with an official statement.

"Although the FFBB was informed that Thomas Heurtel had contacts with foreign clubs, including Russian ones, at no time was it informed that a contract had been signed or was being signed with a Russian club," the statement reads.

"The player had signed the sworn statement at the start of the French team's training camp at the end of July, indicating that he was not engaged and that he was not planning to sign with a Russian club or Belarusian," the federation explains.

Following the announcement, the federation issued a warning for Heurtel.

"If Thomas Heurtel were to play with the club, this commitment would not be respected, the playmaker would then no longer respect the selection criteria for the next international events, including the 2024 Olympic Games, in accordance with the decision taken by Federal Office on July 28."

Heurtel played for Real Madrid last season but was sidelined due to disciplinary reasons throughout the majority of the second half of the year and later dismissed. In EuroBasket 2022, the guard averaged 10.4 points and 7.1 assists and was one of the main contributors to France's second-place finish in the tournament.

Like what we are doing? Support us by becoming BN+ member.