Now it is definitely clear, the ABA league has survived. The board of the World Basketball Federation (FIBA) unanimously recognized the reorganized regional league at a meeting in Budapest.
In March, FIBA withdrew its recognition of the Adriatic League, citing the disagreement of the rules of the competition with the general constitution and rulebook of the federation.
In the meantime, at a meeting in Belgrade a month and a half ago, it was agreed that the ownership and management structure from the next season would be in the hands of the clubs, but even after the objections adopted, no official recognition was received, as FIBA wanted to change some other management and ownership elements. regarding the league.
A series of meetings of clubs in the region and national associations, as well as several harsh letters that arrived from Geneva (FIBA), led to an agreement in Zagreb.
After correcting the documents, FIBA finally announced on Friday evening that the regional ABA league met all the requirements for recognition according to the FIBA general statute, which it verified on Sunday.
This means that clubs from the region will still be able to seek placement in European competitions under the auspices of ULEB through the regional competition, without risking their national associations being suspended and prevented from participating in European and world championships.
Unofficially, the proposal was adopted that from the 2016/17 season. The Second ABA League starts in XNUMX, in which clubs from the former SFRY will also participate.
It has not yet been specified whether according to the East group and the West group system or as a single league.
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