The show doesn't have to go on at all costs.
Ettore Messina, demiurge of Olimpia Milano, closely sees the concerns of many players for Covid and launches a heartfelt appeal to the top of planetary basketball for a reflection, a moment of confrontation.
"Suspending the Euroleague" and the other European cups to "finish the national championships" by the spring and then resume international commitments is a simple proposal that however raises the known problems of this season: travel logistics - for the Euroleague flies for 17 trips around the container, from Valencia to Moscow to Tel Aviv - and the technical correctness of the tournament, already undermined by a change in the regulation race - after the third round the defeat at the table was abolished in roster case with less than 8 elements -.
Messina hopes for a constructive dialogue between the parties as soon as possible to find the most effective solution, but collides with the will of the Euroleague CEO, Jordi Bertomeu, surprised and angry at the contents of the letter.
"The Euroleague does not change format", the message coming from the headquarters in Barcelona, where the memory of last season's cancellation is still alive.
On November 5th, however, there will be a conference call with the presidents of the various leagues to find a reasonable solution, especially considering the number of European matches already postponed.
The Euroleague has 9 after just 6 rounds and has had outbreaks among the ranks of Alba Berlin, Zenit St. Petersburg, Khimki Moscow and Asvel Villeurbanne: it is utopian to think of going on like this.
Ax Milano itself has to recover two games in a very busy schedule and learned a few days ago of Riccardo Moraschini's positivity ("I'm fine, I hope to return as soon as possible").
"The difficulties of traveling abroad - notes Messina - are increasing concerns for the health of teams and referees. Soon, there will be no more dates available to play the postponed matches. A greater number of results will depend on luck, on facing less contagions in one's team, compared to what will happen to others. The health of the participants and the integrity of the competition are the priorities ".
