By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Reacting to the incidents marking Round 24 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season, specifically the meeting between Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv and Panathinaikos Aktor in Menora Mivtachim Arena on Thursday, the Turkish Basketball Federation issued an official statement, confirming support for Ergin Ataman, the head coach of the Greens.
Per the press release: “As the Turkish Basketball Federation, we believe in the unifying power of basketball; we emphasize that we are always the strongest supporters of our athletes, coaches, and administrators who successfully represent our country all over the world.
It is absolutely unacceptable for our values, which represent our country in the international arena, to be subjected to attacks contrary to the spirit and ethical values of sports. We strongly condemn the ugly chants directed at our Men’s National Team Head Coach, Mr. Ergin Ataman, during the Maccabi Tel Aviv – Panathinaikos match in the EuroLeague, which are incompatible with the universal values of sports.
We demand that the EuroLeague management meticulously investigate this grave incident to preserve the peaceful nature of sports, and we expect the necessary disciplinary processes to be promptly implemented to prevent similar situations from recurring.”
Kamuoyunun Bilgisine – Official Statement pic.twitter.com/FSY78RP1S3
— TBF (@TBF) January 23, 2026
Verbal abuse toward the 60-year-old Turkish tactician stretched from a heated pregame to insults from the stands during the game between Maccabi and Panathinaikos.
Ataman also serves as the selector of the senior national team of Turkiye, besides being in charge of the Greek powerhouse at the club level.
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