New deadline requested for final decision, next meeting between ABA League and Dubai on Monday

The ABA League presidency and the management of the regional competition held a meeting with representatives of Dubai today, via the Zoom application, and the main topic was the situation surrounding the organization of the playoffs, as well as the security aspects of playing matches in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai plays against Buducnost Voli in the semifinals of the regional competition, and two days ago, the ABA League Presidency decided that the Emirati team will play its matches on neutral grounds until the end of the season. This was followed by a sharp reaction from Dubai, which threatened to seek justice at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.

And today, the ABA League made the announcement, in a statement on its official website. The statement emphasizes that the participants in the meeting once again confirmed that the decision on the possible playing of matches on neutral grounds was made solely with the safety of all participants in the competition in mind, taking into account the current circumstances and recommendations of the competent institutions.

"During the conversation, it was highlighted that a number of players and members of the professional staff expressed concerns regarding the trip, especially due to the current recommendations and warnings from embassies and government authorities in their countries regarding the security situation and travel to the UAE. Therefore, a new deadline for making a final decision has been requested, in order to collect additional information and conduct additional consultations with all relevant parties," the ABA League announced.

It was agreed that Dubai will continue communication with the relevant institutions and diplomatic representatives, as well as provide official confirmations regarding travel safety and the organization of the matches.

"All participants in the meeting emphasized that it is in the common interest that the ABA League playoffs be held in the best possible sporting conditions, with the participation of all clubs in full squads, which the final of the competition certainly deserves. The ABA League Presidency will continue to monitor the situation day by day, and a new meeting on the next steps in organizing the playoffs is scheduled for Monday, May 18," reads a statement on the official ABA League website.