Jordi Bertomeu, the Euroleague CEO, visited Moscow on the invitation of CSKA. Before leaving back, he answered the questions of our website.
This is your second visit to Moscow. Last season you came to honour Mirsad Turcan as MVP of the Euroleague regular season. What is the main reason for visiting Moscow again?
- First of all to evaluate the possibility of Moscow to host the Euroleague Final Four in 2005. We saw 2 arenas - Luzniky and Olympiyskiy, met authorities of the city and had many talks with the president and ceo of your club. I am glad that Moscow wishes to host Final Four. Both arenas can be an option as the capacity we are looking for is 10,000 - 12,000 and both have it. We must decide taking into account other events of Final Four, our needs.
What are your impressions about the game CSKA - Unicaja?
- Both the game and organization were excellent. It was the best pre-game show and presentation I saw in Europe. The arena was sold out and this is important when we launch our new program of selling tickets.
What Euroleague teams impressed you most this season?
- Benetton and CSKA play very good basketball. And also Maccabi and Olimpia Ljubljana.
Next season Final Four is in Tel Aviv but the situation there is not stable. Is it possible to have it in a different city, say Moscow?
- It is possible only if the situation in Israel becomes worse. We have serious commitment with Israel. If everything goes back to the situation it was a month ago, then it's OK, but if worse - Moscow is an alternative.
Is there any opportunity for more Russian clubs to participate in Euroleague competitions?
- Next three seasons there is only one team from Russia in Euroleague but we open the door through the second competition and expect two teams from Russia there.
Did you meet any Russian companies interested in basketball?
Yes, I was impressed that Russian companies are interested and realize that this is the result of what CSKA do. It is great opportunity for Russian basketball to grow.
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