Three months have passed since representatives of “Georgian Basketball” (head – veteran basketball player Misha Akhvlediani, founders – Georgian coach Nugzar Cheishvili, veteran basketball player Giorgi Markoishvili, FIBA licensed agent Levan Mikeladze) made statement for mass media at “Holidan Inn” hotel. This conference touched regulations of Georgian Basketball Federation. According to them, GBF regulations are not conformable to the rules of FIBA.

“World Sport” talked to Giorgi Markoishvili about the work and future plans of “Georgian Basketball”.

-         Is it true that Misha Akhvlediani is not head of “Georgian Basketball” anymore?

-         I confirm that Misha Akhvlediani could not carry out his duty and he is not our group anymore. Akhvlediani was a head of “Georgian Basketball”. When he left the organization, I was appointed as a head of “Georgian Basketball”.

-         Are any changes planned in “Georgian Basketball”?

-         Not yet.

-         Who can become member of the organization?

-         Any can become member of “Georgian Basketball” who has connection with Georgian basketball. Now we have about 60 members. Famous Georgians are among them. I do not want to name them.

-         Please, remind us the statement which was made three months ago – why are not the regulations of Georgian Basketball Federation conformable to FIBA regulations?

-         We think there are no opaque, nondemocratic regulations in the world than the one of Georgian Basketball Federation. Any physical person can join the federation if the management wants it. According to our legal documents, we can freely state that only those people will have status of delegates who are linked to current managers. So, it is impossible to beat current president or his favorite in the upcoming elections.

-         On November 19, 2012, the representatives of “Georgian Basketball” stated you would inform FIA with the current problems of Georgian Basketball Federation…

-         We did it. We hired Belgian lawyer Sebastian Ledur who prepared letter and sent it to FIBA on behalf of “Georgian Basketball” on December 5, 2012.

-         Did FIBA react on your letter?

-         According to our information, FIBA held audit in Georgian Basketball Federation and made conclusion. As for the reaction, it depends on our Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs and Committee on Sports and Youth Issues in Parliament.

-         Before you applied to FIBA, did you inform Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs or the committee?

-         We decided to apply to the abovementioned bodies with official letter and we will demand reaction.

-         What way out do you see from the problems?

-         Georgian basketball needs help and there is only one way out – changes must be made in the regulations of Georgian Basketball Federation and special elections must be appointed. I do not see another way out.

-         What do you promise the society in case of winning the elections?

-         We have plan which we will present to the society in the framework of the elections.

Roland Labuchidze