Eurobasket 2015: France, Germany, Italy, Croatia withdraw candidature

France, Germany, Italy and Croatia withdraw with immediate effect from the bidding process for the EuroBasket 2015. This decision was made unanimously by the four Presidents of the bidding countries due to immense doubts regarding the professionalism and the lack of trust in the bidding process conducted by the European Basketball Federation, FIBA Europe. All countries involved in the joint bid rely on state-related funding and therefore base their decisions on their moral and ethic responsibility. “We withdraw from the bidding process with a heavy heart as we were extremely enthusiastic and positive about the bidding process”, Jean-Pierre Siutat of France and Ingo Weiss of Germany explain. “We rely on values such as good governance, compliance, and transparency and base our decisions and our actions on these values. This is our responsibility towards our partners, sponsors and ourselves and with this decision we assume this responsibility.” Within the bidding process unilateral regulations occurred which were not compatible with serious and professional operations. FIBA Europe does not share the same vision as we do about the needs of development and promotion of the EuroBasket in the future. Due to the evidences and after serious consideration, the four presidents decided on the withdrawal. “Our philosophy is based on trust, professionalism and cooperation, these values are crucial to us”, stated the Presidents consentaneous.