Hapoel Holon to play BCL home games in Latvia / News - Basketnews.com

The Latvian Basketball Association agreed to help host Holon's home games. The BCL had initially announced that the club would play in Athens, but the organization refused, calling the decision unilateral.

Credit: IMAGO/Jürgen Schwarz - Scanpix Credit IMAGO/Jürgen Schwarz - Scanpix

After weeks of confusion, a solution to host Hapoel Holon's matches in the Basketball Champions League (BCL) has been found.

Hapoel Holon / Schedule

Telekom Baskets Bonn Hapoel Holon74-75 Hapoel Holon Rio Breogan11-1322:00

The Latvian Basketball Association (LBS) has sent an official letter to the Israeli Basketball Association (IBBA), confirming that Riga will be the host city of the three upcoming games.

The BCL confirmed the information soon thereafter.

Due to the war in Israel, Hapoel Holon, as well as other Israeli teams that compete internationally, had to search for a place where their home games could be held. Initially, the BCL had announced that Holon would play their home games in the AEK Athens' Ano Liosia Olympic Hall in Athens, but the club refused, claiming the decision was reached unilaterally.

Holon's chairman called out FIBA and claimed the club would not play in Athens even if they were forced to. Now, a solution has been found to host Holon's home games in Latvia.

The full letter of LBS President Kaspars Cipruss:

I hope this letter finds you well.

On behalf of the Latvian Basketball Association, I would like to express my condolences to the people of Israel due to the victims of the inhumane terrorist attacks, and I would like to show support for Israel in its fight against terrorist organizations. In such circumstances, the Latvian Basketball Association recognizes the importance of cooperating with the Israeli Basketball Association and basketball clubs' teams.

The Latvian Basketball Association is ready to assist with all necessary to help Hapoel Holon organize FIBA Champions League games in Riga on November 15th, 2023, against Rio Breogan, on December 6th, 2023, against Telekom Baskets Bonn, and on December 20th, 2023 against Bursaspor Info Yatrim. The venue of the games would be Arena Riga (address: Skanstes Street 21, Riga, Latvia).

We are looking forward to continuing and maintaining contact and hope that you will promptly answer all questions if they arise. Our team remains at your entire disposal.

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