Dubai: We will continue to work towards returning to our city

The ABA League made a breakthrough today - Dubai will welcome the basketball players of Budućnost Voli to a neutral court in Zenica in the semifinals of the regional competition.

Last week, neutral ground was a reality, especially after the unanimous decision of the League Presidency, but then Dubai threatened to sue, so a meeting was held on Saturday, after which it was announced that the final decision would be announced today.

And the final decision, after a new meeting, is that Dubai will welcome the Montenegrin champion on Thursday, May 21 (18), at the "Husejin Smajlović" hall. The semi-final is played on two wins, the second match is on May 25 (19) in Podgorica, while the date of the eventual master will be announced later, the regional competition explained.

After the ABA League's decision to play the match on a neutral venue, Dubai also spoke out. The Emirati club had been announcing its return to the Coca-Cola Arena since last Thursday, and even put tickets on sale for the match, which will not be played in the Emirates.

"Due to geopolitical events in the region, the first leg of the semi-final between Dubai and Buducnost Voli will not be played at the 'Coca-Cola Arena', as originally announced. Over the past few days, the club has been working with all parties involved to explore the possibility of returning to the UAE, but it has ultimately been decided to play the match in Zenica," Dubai said.

If Dubai advances to the final, then the option of returning to the Emirates will be considered again.

"We regret that we were unable to unite with our fans in Dubai, but we will continue to work towards returning to our city as soon as possible," they said in a statement from Dubai.