Trapani Shark and Maurizio Gherardini: LBA clubs take a stand

The 15 LBA clubs take a position in a joint statement. “Regarding the statements published on 18.12 by the Trapani Shark club – it reads -, the Companies Virtus Basketball Bologna, Basketball Brescia, Basketball Olimpia Milano, Aquila Basket Trento 2013, Basketball Trieste 2004, Basketball Reggiana, Reyer Venezia, Derthona Basket, Polisportiva Dinamo, Universo Treviso Basket, Basketball Varese, Guerino Vanoli Basket, NapoliBasket, Amici Pallacanestro Udinese, Pallacanestro Cantù intend to distance themselves clearly and unequivocally from the accusations made against LBA President Maurizio Gherardini who is leading our Association with commitment, professionalism, dedication and above all with absolute respect and equidistance of the parties in the&#8217sole interest of the Italian basketball movement”.

Marco Enzo Venturini

“The election, by a very large majority, of a figure of Gherardini’s international experience and history represents for LBA a signal of sharing and unity in a crucial historical moment for the future of Italian basketball but not only – continues the statement – and that is why the action of the president and his collaborators is supported with vigor and conviction by the above-mentioned clubs. We therefore hope that there will be no repetition of episodes that do not reflect the associative spirit and mission of LBA in its daily search for proposals and initiatives aimed at the development and growth of professional basketball in our country”.

“We also consider out of place – explain again the 15 clubs of the Basketball League Serie A in the communiqué that was signed by each of them and issued during the day on Friday – the allusions to a possible suspension of the Serie A Championship for reasons related to individual interests: we would like to recall that the top championship represents millions of fans who recognize themselves in the values and commitment of the Clubs which, in full compliance with the rules, guarantee the regular conduct of competitive activities confronting only on the field with respect and fairness”.

“The Trapani Shark S.r.l. – read the Sicilian club’s statement issued Thursday, Dec. 18 -, following the’meeting held today with the presidents of the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP), Giovanni Petrucci, and the Basketball League Series A (LBA), Maurizio Gherardini, and the joint statement issued by the same, expresses deep disappointment at the’absence of concrete and decisive answers to the questions posed, particularly with regard to the issue of membership and the revocation of sanctions imposed”.

“The club believes that the appointment of Maurizio Gherardini as President of the LBA has contributed to creating unfavorable conditions for the Trapani Shark” the club added. Which had then clarified: “Nevertheless, as a sign of respect to the fans, the sports community and the balance of the league, the Trapani Shark confirms that it will regularly play the scheduled game against Sassari on December 21, 2025”.