Euroleague games are moving again from Israel after three months
Euroleague games involving Tel Aviv's Hapoel and Maccabi teams are being relocated to Bulgaria and Serbia due to the closure of Israeli airspace.
Due to the ongoing conflict and subsequent closure of Israeli airspace, Euroleague games involving Tel Aviv's basketball teams are being relocated. A match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Paris Basketball originally scheduled for March 3 has been moved to Sofia, Bulgaria. Similarly, a derby between Maccabi and Hapoel, initially planned for March 5, will now take place in Belgrade.
The scheduling changes arise from logistical challenges for the teams, with many players currently outside Israel for training or national team commitments. Maccabi's players were set to return only on the Monday prior to their scheduled game, which facilitated the rescheduling. Hapoel, on the other hand, faced complications as four of their players returned to Israel but had to make a detour through Cyprus due to the closure of the airspace.
Additionally, Israel's national basketball team is preparing for qualification matches for the 2027 World Cup, with their next game on March 5 in Cyprus. Despite the complications, the athletes have managed to navigate the challenges posed by the airspace closure, with some considering alternative travel methods like sea routes to return home. These developments illustrate the impact of geopolitical issues on international sports events, as leagues and teams respond to rapidly changing circumstances.