Five players injured in elevator collapse, coach blasts FIBA
Five players from the Azerbaijani basketball team Gence were injured after an elevator collapsed at their hotel in Istanbul. Despite the team's request to postpone their EuroCup game, FIBA forced them to play, leading to a lopsided loss.
Why it matters
The incident raises serious questions about athlete safety standards and the ethical decision-making of international sports governing bodies.
An unusual incident unfolded ahead of the EuroCup game between Esenler Erokspor and Azerbaijani side Gence. Gence coach Martin Knezevic claimed that five of his players were injured when an elevator at the team's hotel in Istanbul plunged three floors. Despite the club's request, however, FIBA refused to postpone the game.Gence went on to lose 92-63 to Erokspor in its opening Group C game. Twelve players were listed on the Azerbaijani team's roster, but only 10 took the court.
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