Bourges and ASVEL have decided not to play the final of the French Women’s Basketball Cup, initially scheduled for Friday in Bercy, due to the four positive cases of Covid-19 detected in these two teams. A decision bitterly regretted by the President of the French Basketball Federation, Jean-Pierre Siutat.
Scheduled for this Friday evening (8:30 p.m. at the AccorHotels Arena), the final of the French Women’s Basketball Cup between Bourges and ASVEL is canceled. The captains of the two teams have decided not to play, due to the cases of Covid-19 in the workforce (three in Bourges, one at ASVEL).
Several meetings have taken place since Thursday morning and continued into the morning, this Friday. The president of the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) Jean-Pierre Siutat left the crisis meeting room around half past twelve, leaving nothing to show behind a closed face, which still hinted at the outcome. Roxana Maracineanu, the Deputy Minister in charge of Sports, also tried to convince the players. In vain.
A loss of 300,000 euros
In accordance with the will of the National Basketball Union (SNB), the captains of the two teams refused to enter the field this Friday evening. The tone had started to rise on their side, the players having felt that their state of health was not considered a priority. They also pointed out the difference in treatment between girls and boys.
Why would she play with four positive cases when it’s impossible for guys from three? Although he understood the position of the players, Jean-Pierre Situtat was bitter, evaluating the deadweight loss of the event at 300,000 euros. But that worried him almost less than the missed opportunity for women’s basketball to shine in this troubled time.
A “halt” for women’s basketball
“I regret this decision, which is that of the two teams, explained Jean-Pierre Siutat. I thank the Minister of Sports for coming this morning to bring a positive message, that of resuming the game. Me, I have everything made to get things going again. I did everything. We found a site for the women’s Euro basketball, it will be in Strasbourg. We believe in women’s basketball. It’s difficult, what has been decided. We respect the fear of the players. There is the likelihood that other people will be affected, but as in everyday life. The protocols are being relaxed everywhere and it is necessary to resume the game. We will bounce back, but it is a real shock for all of us. We had decided to play this game knowing the risks. And maybe in the future, we will take less. We missed a great promotion event. I think we put also a halt to the project to promote women’s basketball. ”
