Basketball Ireland respond to Ballina claims

Basketball Ireland have released a statement regarding claims made by Ballina's Team Merry Monk about the restructuring of the league.

The Mayo side had claimed that by being forced into playing in the Southern Conference, they would have to incur 1,000 miles extra travel and travel realted costs.

Liam McHale, former Irish international basketball player and GAA star was quoted as saying 'this decision discriminates against the true spirit of basketball on the ground and disenfranchises all aspiring basketball players.'

The Basketball Ireland statement insists that all clubs were included in the process of restructuring the League.

'While this decision was made by the SuperLeague Mens Board (SLMB), the recommendation of the Organisation of SuperLeague Clubs (OSC) was taken into account. 

'All clubs in the SuperLeague are represented on this Board, including Ballina. 

'It is not the case that Basketball Ireland or the SLMB dictate such policies. The decision was made by considering what is the best solution for the entire league, and the sport in general, and not any one entity in the League. 

‘As a result of Ballina’s dissatisfaction of the decision, the SuperLeague Manager and two Board members met with three representatives from Ballina on Monday July 23rd and explained the position of the SLMB. 

'At that meeting a number of possible avenues were explored, so the Board are disappointed the Club felt it necessary to issue such a release to the media, especially in advance of the Appeal hearing.'

As regards the issue of increased travel for the Ballina side, Basketball Ireland have included statistics, based on next season's proposed fixture list and their own research, that argues that the increase in travel is not so monumental.

'The travel differential from this season to last season for Ballina is an increase in distance of 614km and an increase in time of 3.5 hours.'

The appeal process is scheduled to last at least two weeks.