The ABA League is facing a serious issue ahead of the second round of the regional competition. Referees have rejected the conditions proposed by the league, casting doubt on whether the matches can take place at all in the near future.
The 63 referees have responded to the league's leadership with a short answer: 'no'. The first round has already been postponed, and a further delay of the second round would complicate the situation further. In such a scenario, the league could face compensation claims from clubs whose matches were to take place — Dubai, Slovan from Bratislava, Vienna, and Cluj.
However, there is still a possibility that the second round will be played as scheduled. Matches are scheduled for Borac Čačak – Široki, Krka – Budućnost, Cedevita Olimpija – Cibona, Igokea – Slovan, Vienna – Cluj, Spartak – Bosna, FMP – Crvena zvezda, Ilirija – Dubai, Partizan – Mega, and Zadar – SC Derby. The key is an agreement between the ABA League leadership and the referees.
According to unofficial information from Sport Klub, the current offer is 630 euros per match, while the referees are demanding 800 euros. A compromise amount of 700 euros per match is being discussed. Such an increase would represent an additional cost of almost one million euros for the competition at the level of the tournament.
In recent years, referees' strikes have occurred in certain European competitions, with referees from the region taking over matches in those competitions. One option is that the 63 referees accept the conditions proposed, which align with the current financial capabilities of the league. If this does not happen, the ABA League leadership will have to find an alternative solution.
The A-League is managed by Ostoja Mijailović from Partizan, Dragan Bokan from Budućnost, and Davor Užbinec from Cedevita Olimpija. Mijailović is currently focused on political developments in Serbia, where elections are scheduled for 25 October.
