[ad_1]
The 2020-21 Super League and Division One men’s league seasons have been canceled, Basketball Ireland confirmed this afternoon in a statement.
The National Committee for Men’s Basketball Ireland Competitions (MNCC) said it felt it had “no alternative” but to cancel the season following the most recent Covid-19 guidelines issued by the Irish government.
Level 3 does not allow indoor team sports, games or events are not allowed.
The statement said that no decision had been made regarding the 2020-21 Men’s National Cup.
In the statement, the MNCC said it was “extremely disappointed” that its proposals for the restart of closed-door basketball competitions from January 9 had not been “adequately considered.”
“It is felt that fair play and consultations have not happened and we can only conclude that we are not trusted to act safely and responsibly,” the statement read.
“We note that many national basketball leagues are taking place across Europe with the agreement of the government and health authorities of those countries.”
The decision was made to cancel the league as its semi-professional clubs had “business commitments and can no longer remain in uncertainty.”
Basketball Ireland said they “will continue to advocate for the policy makers of elite basketball practice in 2021. We hope that a competition will be possible in February / March, which will give our players and supporters something to look forward to.” to.
“This is a difficult and disappointing decision to have made, but we trust our community to understand that we feel it is the only reasonable action to take.”
Basketball Ireland CEO and MNCC Chairman Bernard O’Byrne, who said Tuesday that “indoor sports had been marginalized,” said they would continue to seek answers from the government.
“Basketball Ireland has been putting pressure on the government, but it has still been ignored,” O’Byrne said. “He will not stop fighting for the government’s recognition and responses.
“The MNCC feels that certainty is needed and we cannot keep our clubs, players, officials and volunteers waiting.
“We would have loved to start our season on January 9, but they have left us no choice.
“Basketball Ireland has been doing everything possible to help our clubs during these difficult times and will continue to do so.”
[ad_2]