Disciplinary investigation from Euroleague to Ergin Ataman and Panathinaikos

Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman, who lost 91-87 at home to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the first match of the THY Euroleague playoff quarter-finals, used very harsh expressions after the match.

Ataman criticized the referee management; “We did not play well, we lost, but this match was not clean. I do not think it is a fair management in terms of basketball. We will win this series and qualify for the Final Four. If we cannot qualify, I will resign.” he said.

In the statement made by Panathinaikos; “We do not want to believe that the tragic events in the world (Russia-Ukraine, Palestine-Israel) have an impact on professional basketball, but the mistakes in the match prevent us from thinking about anything else,” the statement said.

EUROLEAGUE STARTED AN INVESTIGATION

Following these statements, which were on the agenda in European basketball, the Euroleague management made an official statement on the issue and announced that a disciplinary investigation was initiated against Ergin Ataman and Panathinaikos.

The statement made by Euroleague included the following statements:

Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman, who lost at home to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the first match of the Euroleague playoffs, criticized the referee decisions and in the statement made by the club, it was implied that the whistles might be related to the situation between Israel and Palestine and that these whistles were feared to be “a consolation gift”. .

While making a statement on the issue, Euroleague announced that disciplinary investigations were initiated:

Euroleague followed with disappointment the events that took place after the first match of the THY Euroleague Playoff played in Athens on April 23, 2024, and the statements made by Panathinaikos head coach Mr. Ergin Ataman and the club.

Such events and explanations; It completely contradicts the statement made by Euroleague, Euroleague Coaches Board, Euroleague Players Association and Euroleague Basketball Referees Association on April 15, 2024 and creates unnecessary and unfounded conflicts.

The statements made by Koç Ataman are deliberately misleading and unfounded. These statements, by selecting a few moments, present an analysis of the match that is incompatible with reality; It tries to question the work and integrity of the referees and puts pressure on both the referees and the organization. None of these efforts will achieve their goals.

Unfortunately, these statements were not conveyed through the existing official channels, which are always open to the Euroleague referees, coach Ataman, his club and every club and coach in the league.

This type of behavior will not be tolerated by Euroleague. A disciplinary investigation has been initiated both for these statements and because Mr. Ataman prevented members of the press from performing their duties during the training session, which was compulsorily open to the press on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

The Euroleague’s respect for the Panathinaikos organization, community and legacy is beyond question, and all other clubs in the league are treated with equal respect. What happened after the first match of the Euroleague Playoffs, between the clubs; It is in contrast to the organization they manage together and the values ​​that are wanted to be highlighted in the league.

Euroleague obliges Koç Ataman, Panathinaikos and all other clubs and individuals to refrain from such statements and behavior in future matches; It invites us to highlight the values ​​that the Euroleague represents by creating a positive atmosphere at matches and celebrating the incredible effort and struggle on the field.