Fenerbahce board member responsible for basketball operations Cem Ciritci on Saturday slammed the EuroLeague Final Four organisation in Athens, accusing officials of serious security and ticketing failures that left thousands of the Turkish club’s supporters stranded outside the arena despite holding valid tickets.
In a statement shared on the US social company X, Ciritci said the EuroLeague Final Four had exposed major organisational shortcomings beyond the basketball played on the court.
“A Final Four organisation is not only about basketball on the court. It is about security, justice, supporter rights, ticketing systems, stand planning and respect shown to visiting fans,” he said.
Ciritci said Fenerbahce supporters who had purchased tickets, travelled long distances and arrived at the arena were forced to wait outside in confusion before the semifinal against Olympiakos in Athens.
“Families were separated, people were left in uncertainty, and the seating plan became chaotic. While Fenerbahce fans were trying to enter the arena, rival supporters were even seen in family sections allocated to our fans,” he added.
Calling the incidents “unacceptable,” Ciritci also demanded clarification from EuroLeague officials over claims that nearly 5,000 ticketless Olympiakos fans were allegedly allowed into the arena.
“We expect a clear, concrete and satisfactory explanation from EuroLeague and the organisers regarding serious allegations publicly voiced by our supporters that around 5,000 ticketless Olympiakos fans were admitted into the arena,” he said.
