Ergin Ataman criticizes World Cup system
A National Men's Basketball Team and Panathinaikos AKTOR Head Coach Ergin Ataman criticized the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualification system.
Making statements before his team's Basketball Europa League match against Partizan tomorrow, Ataman stated that it is an interesting practice for Turkey to play qualifying matches in the 2025 European Championship (EuroBasket) despite having played the final.
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Ataman emphasized that this practice of FIBA is strange and said, "You are a EuroBasket finalist, but there is no guarantee that you will qualify for the World Cup because you will play with a different roster. Also, I won't have the same players in this period, it's like gambling. If FIBA insists on continuing with this program, it will be absurd."
"EuroBasket champions and finalists should face second-rate teams for a World Cup spot," the 59-year-old head coach wished the Greek National Basketball Team good luck in the tournament.
