ZCZC
BSP-12
BASKET-GRE-ITA-OLYMPIAKOS-ARMANI-VIRUS
Greek government back Olympiakos basketball team’s refusal to go to Milan
ATHENS, March 11, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – The Greek government said on Wednesday it
agrees that the Olympiakos basketball team should not travel to Milan to face
Armani in a Euroleague contest due to the coronavirus outbreak in Italy.
Earlier the Greek national public health protection commission recommended
that Olympiakos not make the trip.
The Euroleague has insisted that Olympiakos play Armani on Thursday without
spectators present.
“The position of the Greek state has been expressed with the recommendation
by the commission. We say that the Euroleague should reconsider their
decision,” government spokesman Stelios Petsas said.
He added: “It’s an oxymoron when no domestic matches are allowed in Italy
for international matches to be played. There are far too many consequences
if you make this trip. It is not advisable at this time to allow this match.”
Olympiakos on Tuesday had requested to the Euroleague for the match to be
postponed but received a negative response.
BSS/AFP/RY/1832 hrs