La Fiba announced on February 19, 2016 that the Euroleague (via Euroleague Properties, one of its trading companies based in Luxembourg) filed a complaint with the European Commission against Fiba and Fiba Europe for violation of European Union competition law.
Conflict between FIBA and Euroleague for the European Cup
For several months the two institutions have been opposed as to the organization of the European Cups for the 2016-2017 season.
While Fiba wishes to create the Basketball Champions League, the Euroleague for its part does not want to negotiate with the International Federation.
The Euroleague thus hopes to have the European Commission confirm that its clubs, players and referees cannot be sanctioned by Fiba if they participate in its competitions.
Indeed, according to Fiba regulations, participants in a competition not approved by the International Federation may be suspended.
The European Commission will therefore have to examine whether or not these provisions are contrary to EU competition law.
[UPDATE]: Press Release
The Euroleague denounces the "pressure suffered by European basketball clubs from the international federation and its affiliated national federations with the aim of forcing them to give up European competitions organized since 2000 by the Euroleague"
Respect for European law
The "war" between the two institutions of European basketball is not the first to shake the world of sport.
Indeed, the European Commission opened, in October 2015, a formal examination procedure concerning the eligibility rules of the International Skating Union for non-compliance with anti-competitive rules.
Regarding this file, the European Commissioner responsible for competition policy said:
"(…) in the case of the International Skating Union, we will seek to determine whether these rules are being abused to impose a monopoly on the organization of sports events or to restrict competition. Athletes can only evolve at the highest level for a few years. There must therefore be good reasons to prevent them from participating in sporting events.
The Commission has decided to continue this investigation, as it sheds light on specific allegations of violation of competition law at the international level which go beyond more general questions of internal governance or regulation within a federation. athletic".
The International Equestrian Federation was also sanctioned by the Belgian justice on October 22, 2015 for an infringement of competition law.
