Swedish Basketball Federation: 'Timing of Jerebko's move to CSKA is surprising' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Today CSKA Moscow officially announced the deal with Swedish power forward Jonas Jerebko, arguably the best basketball player in a Scandinavian country.

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81%13,2Points made:13,2Accuracy:81,2%Place in standings:6Record max:30Record min:2Most made FTs:Will ClyburnTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The Swedish star has been without a club for over a year after leaving Khimki Moscow Region on January 23, 2021. The latter squad still owes Jerebko a significant amount of money.

"It's an honor to join such a historic club as CSKA. I've been waiting for an opportunity to play basketball again, and I am really excited to join the team," Jerebko spoke regarding his decision to pen a contract with the Army club.

Though, his determination to go to play in Russia was met negatively in his homeland, as Swedish Basketball Federation has taken a clear position against Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and supported FIBA's decision to exclude all Russian teams.

Jerebko's move surprised the General Secretary of the Swedish Basketball federation Fredrik Joulamo.

"It is clear that the timing of this decision is surprising, to say the least. I need to talk to Jonas and get to know what are his thoughts.

Where we (Swedish Basketball Federation) stand on this question is quite clear. We have run a fundraiser, condemned Russia's invasion, and backed FIBA's decision. But we are not involved in our players' contracts. We'll have to talk about what this means for Jonas and us in the future," Fredrik Joulamo toldAftonbladet.

The 35-year-old's choice to sign for CSKA Moscow had more consequences.

Prior to the move, Jerebko was sponsored by the beverage company Vitamin Well and served as an ambassador for the energy drink Nocco. But that agreement is now broken.

On Sunday, when the company received news of the upcoming move, they terminated the partnership with Jonas Jerebko.

"We have already chosen to break the cooperation due to his (Jonas Jerebko's) decision to play in Russia," said Jessica Linder, Brand Manager at Nocco, via Sportbladet.

Sweden will face Slovenia and Finland in this summer's World Cup Qualifiers, and Jonas Jerebko has been clear that he will play the matches.

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