on September 13, Besik Liparteliani, president of Georgian Basketball Federation, Merab Ratishvili, general secretary of the Federation and Davit Ustiashvili, assistant of Igor Kokoshkov held a briefing for journalists in the office of the federation. First Ratishvili thanked the representatives of mass media for their presence and then Liparteliani delivered his speech.
- Despite the fact that the team played without two obvious leaders at EuroBasket, NBA players Zaza Pachulia and Tornike Shengelia, they struggled equally with experienced opponents and needed a bit for going through the next stage. After winning a major victory over Poland, our team played ideally against Croatia, but the fortune turned its back on us and Croatia won. Croatia has a very good team and they have a great chance of getting into the top three. After one day rest, the boys have gained the strength and had a very good game against Slovenia. It can be said that this meeting we lost due to the fault of the referees. After that, it became evident that the boys got tired and in the match with Spain and Czech Republic we lost without chances. Although, there were 12 players in the list, but the brunt of the final stage of the match fell on the shoulders of 5 basketball players. Manuchar Markoishvii and Ricky Hickman, both of them played with trauma.
At the final tournament of Euro-2011, we rank among the top 12 teams. Although, this time we showed the worst result, but I am still pleased with the play of our team. Here I would like to note, that the Government did not appear even a least attention to us. No one called us after the victory with Poland. Before I deliberately said nothing, but now I am ready to talk about the pressure that is toward the Basketball Federation by the Government.
- What do you mean?
-They just said, to leave the post after 12-year reign and to let my place to Mikheil Akhvlediani, who has done nothing for the Georgian basketball in recent years and who mostly amused himself in Spain. Unfairly acted with Davit Ustiashvili (former coach of “Kutaisi-2010”), Mikheil Beruashvili (former coach of “Rustavi”) and Gia Kazanjiani (former coach of “Olimp”), who accordingly are the coaches of U20, 18, 16 teams. They relieved them from their post without asking. Also were talks of releasing Kote Tugushi (head coach of “Armia” and assistant of Igor Kokoshkov) from his post but then changed their minds. These all are blame of Levan Kipiani, minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, who rudely meddles with the cases of the Basketball Federation and the Super League clubs.
- The elections of the president of basketball Federation should be held until the end of 2013. When this election will be held?
-The board of basketball federation will gather in these days and the date of the presidential elections will be known.
- Are you going to nominate yourself for election?
- I haven't decided yet, let's see, future will show us.
- There are two candidates known – Mikheil Akhvlediani and Vladimer Boisa. What can you say about them?
-The “merit” of Akhvlediani is that he is a closest friend of Kipiani and he uses his greatest support. As for Boisa, his merit is great for Georgian basketball and I think he is a good candidate. I think that the wishers of president will increase.
- What would you say, about the extraordinary congress wrecked by the federation, which was continued by part of deputies and even made several decision?
- It goes without saying, that we do not recognize decisions of the congress. We addressed in a letter about this congress to the Sport Committee of Georgian Parliament and we will make a decision after the response.
Davit Ustiashvili: The team trained for Eurobasket-2013 so, that the Government has not paid any attention to them.
- Did the members of the team received the awards for EuroBasket-2011?
- The previous government did not pay, and new government says that it was not established by us. So, the basketball players did not received any bonus.
- Why the national team played with only one Center?
- The incumbency of Nokoloz Tskitishvili was to help Giorgi Shermadini, central defender of the team. He was doing this before and does this often in the club.
Levan Kipiani made a comment about the charges of Liparteliani: “Everything that Beski Liparteliani said at the briefing is completely falsehood. It turned out that I am lobbying individuals. This is unheard lie. I and my team stated from the first day of our arrival at the Ministry, that our principle is non-intervention in the work of the federation and we do. It also turns out that I interfere in relieving and appointment of the caoches in the clubs. I do not pay attention to preparatory program of the team... I demand testimony on all the charges.
Roland Labuchidze
