Ilona Korstin: “The decision on acceptance of MBA and Samara has been formed for more than one year”

Ilona Korstin: “The decision on acceptance of MBA and Samara has been formed for more than one year”

The VTB United League Board took place on June 14. Following the results, a press conference was held with  the Honorary President of the League Sergey Ivanov, the President of the League Sergey Kushchenko and the General Manager Ilona Korstin.

Here are the main quotes of Ilona Korstin, the VTB League General Manager:

About changes in the Regulations

We have made several changes in the Regulations. In particular, we have reduced the number of foreign players in the team’s roster, as we understand that today our teams do not participate in major European tournaments. We had 8 legionnaires, and now 6. In the technical roster, the number of legionnaires does not change. We also removed the FIBA license, according to which the player could only compete in international competitions.

Together with the RBF, we continue the fight against doping, and before the season, all players, coaches and other persons who are in the team’s roster will be required to undergo training at RUSADA. And before the season, they will be required to send a certificate of completion of this training course to the League.

VTB League – the most eco-friendly League

We have repeated many times that the VTB United League is the most environmentally friendly league, because we focus on environmental criteria and encourage teams for them. This year we have 2 champions – Zenit and PARMA. SIBUR congratulated them at the League Board and presented them with memorable awards.

About the new League teams

We’ve been following these teams for years. The decision to accept them did not appear based on the results of one season. We also relied on the marketing and financial guarantees – this is the main thing. They confirmed the budget that is needed to enter the United League. These teams have competent management, and they can assemble decent rosters that should be competitive and match the level of the League.