French basketball star has a difference of opinion with the French Federation’s decision to bar all players and coaches who play for, or work for Russian and Belarusian teams as the war in Ukraine rages on.
Apparently the Federation compelled players and coaches sign a document saying they would not work with such teams.
Fournier, intamated that he begrudgingly signed the document , saying this too BeBasket:
“I’m not a fan of this type of thing, to be honest. I signed it for the good of the team. There are a lot of conflicts around the world and if we had to apply this to every conflict, we wouldn’t be playing anywhere.”
As reported previously, the French Basketball Federation announced that any players or coaches that signs with a Russian or Belarusian organization as long as the Russo-Ukranian war is transpiring will be prohibited from selection for the national team. This slammed the door shut for big men Livio Jean-Charles and Louis Labeyerie who recently signed with Russian clubs CSKA Moscow and Unics Kazan, respectively.
For veteran free agent guard Thomas Huertel finds himself in the unenviable position of having to chose between playing on his national team or continuing his career by seeking out the most advantageous situation. Huertel said, “Yes I signed the document. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.”. Huertel indicated that Russian teams have shown interest in obtaining his services.
“My agents are in contact with clubs, Russian clubs in particular if you want to know,” Heurtel mentioned. “But also others who play in the EuroLeague and also Spain. We’ll see what happens in the future.”
As the French Basketball Federation has issued what is tantamount to players and coaches, it remains to be seen if several of their top-end players end up with Russian or Belarusian clubs prior to Olympic Qualifiers ( the FFBB has indicated the prohibition could extend to the Paris games) will they stand on what they said, or have a change of heart in pursuit of medals.
