BC Astana’s documents and financial guarantees were submitted by Kazakhstan’s Tourism and Sports Industry Support Fund and duly reviewed by the League. Following that review, the club was confirmed as a championship participant at the League Council meeting in June. To date, the League has not received any official documentation confirming that Astana will be unable to take part in the championship.
Astana General Director Samson Arakelyan:
— There are no official documents at this point, but confirmation will arrive shortly. Today I was invited to the Sports Committee of Kazakhstan, where I met with the Deputy Chairman and the head of the Fund. I was informed that BC Astana’s operations will be refocused on developing youth and junior programs. As a result, funding will be reduced and will no longer be sufficient for the club to compete in the VTB United League championship. The decision to cut funding affects not only the basketball team but other projects supported by the Fund as well.
