A month after the outbreak of the war and the suspension of Israeli sports, the Basketball Association and the National League announced today (Monday) in a statement: "The National League will soon return without foreign players." Unlike the Premier League, which managed to play one game, the National League has not yet started and is expected to open its games on December 3rd.
In the association's announcement, it was stated: "The association's management has approved the recommendation of the National League's board to open the season without foreign players in neutral venues. The league is expected to start on November 28. The league and cup committee, which has been expanded to include nine members, will provide the management with a plan for the season's opening, with the goal of beginning on December 3, following the Home Front Command's guidelines in various regions."
It was further decided that this season, all the teams will play without foreign players, according to a vote that took place within the management. As a result, teams will be able to sign Israeli players during the transfer window.
Chairman of the National League Board: "I hope we have shed a bit of light"
The chairman of the Winner national team manager, Ron Worotitsky: "In difficult days that we are experiencing as a country and as a society, I hope that today we have given a drop of light to sports and basketball fans in Israel. It was important to us as a manager to open the game season, while maintaining the safety of the players and teams, in order to provide the basketball fans in Israel moments of pleasure during the fighting. I have no doubt that this is a challenge, and I am sure that as a league we will meet it successfully.
"The return of the league is made possible thanks to the unwavering support of the Minister of Culture and Sports, Miki Zohar, who supports the return of sports. I want to strengthen the hands of the security forces and the residents of the southern and northern regions, and I hope for the swift return of all those who are abducted. I hope that we will all know quieter and safer days."
Hapoel Holon's game in Europe has been postponed
Earlier today, it was announced that FIBA has decided to postpone Hapoel Holon's game in the Basketball Champions League (BCL) to November 29. In a statement released by Hapoel Holon, they wrote: "The team's game, which was scheduled to take place next Wednesday in Turkey against Bursaspor, is postponed to November 29 at this stage. Due to the current security situation, authorities in the country turned to the BCL and informed them that, at this time, it is not possible to secure the team and the game."
In the announcement published today by the Basketball Champions League (BCL), it was stated: "The game in Group F between Bursaspor and Hapoel Holon, which was originally scheduled for November 8th in Istanbul, has been rescheduled to November 29th. The game has been postponed to a new date due to security concerns following a request from Bursaspor and the recommendations of the Turkish Basketball Federation, the Basketball Champions League, emphasizing that the safety and security of its players, staff, and fans will always be a top priority. The rescheduled game time will be announced in the coming days."