Jordi Bertomeu on war in Ukraine: 'It brings many challenges which will last some time' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Tolga Adanali/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Tolga Adanali/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

EuroLeague CEO Jordi Bertomeu officially opened the Final Four in Belgrade by giving opening remarks in Stark Arena.

Unfortunately, it had to be started by paying respects to the German basketball legend Ademola Okulja, who passed away on Tuesday.

After that, Bertomeu sent a message to the fans and cities of Berlin and Belgrade.

"After such a long time, we will have Final Four with fans again," Bertomeu said. "The fans are exactly the reason why we are in Belgrade. As everyone knows, Final Four should have been in Berlin, but until January, we weren't sure if we'll be able to celebrate this moment with fans."

"And the fans are the reason why we are doing it. We couldn't have another event without fans. I want to thank the cities. First of all, Berlin and the Mercedes-Benz Arena for understanding such a difficult situation.

Secondly, Belgrade and its mayor and municipality. They amazingly have been able to turn everything around in such a short time," added Bertomeu.

EuroLeague CEO also emphasized that the competition continues to grow, adding the reason why everyone loves EuroLeague basketball.

"It's been a joy to see our arenas filling progressively after restrictions were lifted. Arenas became full of the color and energy, what makes EuroLeague what it is," Bertomeu said.

"Over those two years, despite everything, we still feel passion, who continue to support and cheer for our teams and players in different ways," he continued. "We are extremely happy that in these times, our fanbase continues to grow, and we continue to attract devotion to new people for what they believe is the most competitive basketball competition in the world."

"These two years have proven that EuroLeague has an enormous resilience and is a solid and strong property which the support of the fans continues to overcome difficulties," Bertomeu noted.

Bertomeu also touched on the topic of the ongoing war in Ukraine, saying that he expects that all the unrest will end soon.

"Today's difficult time continues with the terrible ongoing war in Ukraine. We remain hopeful that peace will come soon.

We cannot forget that for the first time in 22 years, some teams that started the competition in October won't be available to finish it. This situation brings many challenges and uncertainties for everybody, which surely will last some time.

Despite these challenges, this week in Belgrade, we will throw the biggest celebration in European basketball. Full of emotion, bringing people together around one passion – passion for basketball. That's why it's important to celebrate the Final Four with our fans in Belgrade and from all around the world," Bertomeu concluded.

Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.