EuroLeague Players Association was shocked upon hearing the news from Istanbul, where after the game vs Anadolu Efes, FC Barcelona left Thomas Heurtel, its own player, without the possibility to return to his home city with the rest of the team.
ELPA has been in contact with Thomas and his representatives last night and today, offering him the support in the process of coming back to Barcelona and taking any possible further steps. In addition, ELPA has informed EuroLeague Basketball about the details surounding the incident. While contract disputes remain a complicated matter, no player should ever find himself in such situation, let alone in the time of COVID-19 pandemic, when people’s health and safety should be everyones priority.
ELPA remains in contact with Thomas and is already assisting in obtaing necessary information in order to help EuroLeague Basketball and its disciplinary bodies bring closure not only for Thomas, but to also ensure such future situations are eradicated.