Ergin Ataman responds to Fenerbahçe's national team decision: 'I don't care'

A National Basketball Team and Panathinaikos Head Coach Ergin Ataman made statements regarding Fenerbahçe Beko's decision not to send players to the national team. 

Speaking to Meridian Sport ahead of the Euroleague match against Red Star, Ergin Ataman used the following expressions when reminded of the yellow-navy club's decision: 

"I don't care. I am the coach of the national team. My bosses are the Turkish Basketball Federation and the Republic of Türkiye. I will continue to do my job. I believe that all players in Türkiye love to play for the national team. Wearing the national team jersey is very important. Other things are not under my control. I will be at the head of the team when the time comes. I hope that all the players we called up to the squad for the qualifying matches will join the team and we will go to the European Basketball Championship together."

WHAT HAPPENED? 

 After a friendly match played between Panathinaikos and Galatasaray, Ergin Ataman had signaled the score of the match in which Galatasaray defeated Fenerbahçe 3-1 away in the Süper Lig to the stands with his hand.

Fenerbahçe Club later made a statement on the matter and announced that it had decided not to send athletes to the A National Men's Basketball Team as long as Ergin Ataman remains in office.

News Source: 12punto