Yesterday, the Federation’s board meeting took place in the office of National Basketball Federation. Veteran basketball players – the National Basketball Federation President Mikheil Gabrichidze, General Secretary Giorgi Kartvelishvili, Valeri Lomadze, Givi Bichiashvili, Nodar Korkia and Gia Sanadze attended the meeting.
Vice-president Vladimer Boisa was not due to reasonable excuse. He is not in Georgia due to the cases of the national team. As for vice-president Kakha Shengelia and President of “Vita” Temur Datikashvili, a few days ago they accused the Federation in embezzlement of funds, left the board in protest and called for early presidential elections.
A board meeting was devoted to the statement of Shengelia and Datikashvili. After the meeting, board members made statement for the media.
Mikheil Gabrichidze: “A black PR campaign started against the Federation. It causes a great concern, that its authors are people with whom we had the long friendship and were in our team during last 2 years. Participants in today’s meeting and also Vladimer Boisa, who verbally confirmed his support, stands against Shengelia’s and Datikahvili’s statement.
The board discussed the projects created by the GBF, including the innovations after the recent elections:
- Super League introduced a new format.
- Foundation of “A” League.
- Foundation of National team’s reserve team (B team)
- Financial support program was developed
- We participate in 2 age groups in European Youth Basketball League
- NBA Junior – the project realized by the support of US government and Embassy, in which almost all regions are involved (about 500 children)
Two age teams of the Georgian women’s team will take part in European Championship fr the first time.- Tbilisi will host the women’s youth, U-18 European Championship (C Division)
- Introduction of coaches training and licensing program – by FIBA support
- Foreign specialists and coaches are invited to work in GBF in order to develop children’s and age teams.
- Three employees of the Federation joined FIBA agencies, commissions.
- Georgian Championship in 3x3 basketball, which covers almost all regions. Our teams are taking part in the World and European Championships. In U-18 age team, the Georgian team hit the top 8 at the World Championship.
Federation’s board once again discussed the cooperation agreement signed between GBF and “Saski Baskonia”. According to the board members, this project is one of the most successful and promising, which will contribute to the player’s high level education and their further development.
Federation Board reviewed Kakha Shengelia’s and Temur Datikashvili’s statement, its ethical and legal aspects.
Despite the fact that Temur Datikashvili and Kakha Shengelia were the members of the team, had fully realized the goals and objectives, supported the election program, they systematically tried to allow personal interests, which of course would not be supported by the Federation.
Meanwhile, Kakha Shengelia, as vice-president of the Federation, attended pre-contract negotiations as well as signing it. He was aware of all the details and agreed positive opinions as well.
According to the foresaid, Georgian Basketball Federation’s Board completely understands why they tried to discredit one of the most successful projects.
The Board calls Kakha Shengelia and Temur Datikashvili cease publishing false information”. Gabrichidze and Kartvelishvili answered the questions of media.
-How many players do the Spaniards choose in Georgia last season?
-They examined 16 players and left two of them. In agreement with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs we granted 300 000 Euros to Spaniards, which will return to Georgia a few years later.
-If you are financing the Georgian children residing in Spain, why Bulashvili’s father pay money for himself?
-Bulashvili has not passed the camp and which is why he is not on the list. Bulashvili’s father voluntarily agreed. Luka Bulashvili showed himself well in Spain and now is tested in Georgian U-18 team. Next season he will be involved in action and his parents will not pay money.
-If the Spaniards return the money you granted, then what is the explanation for their interest?
-In case of training a good sportsman, the money received after his sale will be divided in half. The Spaniards carried out the similar project with Argentina, which has been successful.
-Why did the Spaniards focus on Georgia?
-They saw that many talented players are in Georgia and many of them vanish in vale of years, because we have law competition and they cannot upgrade their skills.
-Shengelia says that Georgian children live and train in bad conditions in Spain.
-Basque is economically the riches region in Spain. The ideal conditions are in “Laboral Kutxa”. Those, who are interested in can check and make sure.
