Greek National Basketball Players Address Concerns Over Officiating to Prime Minister Mitsotakis
Five prominent members of Panathinaikos and the Greek National Basketball Team-Kostas Sloukas, Dinos Mitoglou, Panagiotis Kalaitzakis, Vasilis Toliopoulos, and Alexandros Samontourov-have collectively penned a letter to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressing their deep concerns regarding the quality of refereeing in Greek basketball and the role of the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK).
Players’ Commitment to National Pride Amidst Challenges
In their heartfelt message, the athletes reaffirm their unwavering dedication to representing Greece on the international stage. They emphasize their pride in wearing the national jersey and their ambition to elevate Greek basketball to its rightful place among Europe’s elite and the global basketball community. This commitment remains steadfast despite the obstacles they face domestically.
Critical Issues with Officiating and Federation Management
The players highlight a persistent and troubling decline in the standard of refereeing over the past four years, attributing significant responsibility to the governance of the EOK. They argue that the inconsistent and often unfair officiating undermines the integrity of the sport and damages the competitive environment within Greece’s basketball leagues.
Moreover, the letter reveals that thousands of passionate fans have reached out to the players, expressing their disillusionment and urging them to reconsider their participation in the national team. This backlash stems from perceived injustices during domestic competitions, which many believe are orchestrated to prevent the federation from benefiting from potential national team successes.
Choosing to Play for the Nation Despite Adversity
Despite these challenges, the five athletes have chosen to respond positively to the national team coach’s call-ups. They stress that they have never imposed conditions on their involvement with the national squad and will continue to compete with honor and determination. Their focus remains on representing Greece and its basketball fans, dedicating any future achievements to the supporters rather than the federation’s administration.
Appeal for Government Intervention and Reform
Recognizing that their primary role is to play basketball, the players nonetheless feel compelled to bring this critical issue to the attention of the highest levels of government. They urge Prime Minister Mitsotakis and relevant authorities, including Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports Ioannis Vroutsis, to thoroughly investigate and address the systemic problems within Greek basketball officiating.
The letter calls for decisive action to curb the unchecked influence of those who do not prioritize the sport’s welfare, ensuring a fair and transparent environment for all stakeholders. Given the Prime Minister’s known passion for basketball, the players respectfully request his personal involvement to prevent further deterioration and to safeguard the future of Greek basketball at every level.
Signatories
With utmost respect and hope for positive change,
- Kostas Sloukas
- Dinos Mitoglou
- Panagiotis Kalaitzakis
- Vasilis Toliopoulos
- Alexandros Samontourov