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3. Akram Halabi: 'There Will Be No Stopping the 2024-2025 Basketball Season'

Against the backdrop of armed conflict, the Lebanese basketball season is facing unprecedented challenges. To find out more about continuity strategies, This is Beirut spoke to Akram Halabi, President of the Basketball Federation.

Is there a possibility of canceling the 2024-2025 basketball season?

“Although the future of Lebanese basketball is linked to the establishment of a ceasefire, the Federation has drawn up a plan to guarantee the continuity of the 2024-2025 season. As soon as a ceasefire is established, a transitional period of one to one and a half months will be granted to clubs to prepare and strengthen their teams.” ''I'm prepared to postpone the season as many times as necessary, be it once, twice, or three times, but no interruption is planned. I plan to find a new format adapted to the situation in order to avoid any cancellations.

Given the local situation, is there any fear that Lebanese players will leave for offers abroad?

“Despite some international offers received by local players, the priority remains the Lebanese league. Around 120 Lebanese players play in the first division, but only 6 or 7 have received offers abroad, and these offers are much lower than the contracts on offer in Lebanon. Lebanese players therefore prefer the national league thanks to the more advantageous contracts. I'm not worried about the future of Lebanese basketball, as I'm convinced that those who leave during this transition period will come back later, attracted by the better conditions offered in Lebanon.”

What challenges does the federation have to overcome to keep the league going despite the war?

“Communication with the clubs is essential to ensure that players stay and avoid invoking 'force majeure'. We want to avoid leaving players, as well as physiotherapists and trainers, without jobs, even if we have to postpone the league for two to three months. It's crucial to find a balance and a stable solution that guarantees fairness between clubs and players. We encourage constant communication between both parties to ensure the stability and continuity of basketball until the end of the conflict”.

What global solution do you propose to ensure the continuity and success of Lebanese Basketball despite the challenges posed by the war?

“The obvious solution to these problems is to launch the league. It's the only way forward. In addition to player contracts, there are advertising partnerships between the federation, the clubs, and even the players that must be respected. It's not just about player contracts, but also about maintaining financial stability and the commitments made with our partners.”

“If the season ever resumes during the conflict, the players will certainly not go to pitches located in dangerous areas. The players' health remains a priority,” especially after recent tragic incidents within the Football Association, including the serious injuries sustained by national player Céline Haidar and former Nejmeh SC goalkeeper Wahid Fattal. 

Qatar's decision: a stunt? (Qatar's recent decision to allow Lebanese players to be registered as the fourth foreign player, editor's note).

I'm still skeptical, though. ''This measure is not beneficial for Lebanese players because it doesn't offer them a real opportunity to play. Indeed, Qatari clubs can already field two foreign players, and it is unlikely that they would choose to replace two Americans with a fourth Lebanese player.” ''I would have preferred Qatar to grant Lebanese players sporting nationality to enable them to play as Qataris. This decision would have been more advantageous for them.''

What factors have contributed to the rise of Lebanese basketball and its dominant position in Asia?

“Lebanese basketball has reached such a level that it has become a benchmark in Asia, far surpassing the countries of the Middle East. The Lebanese league now attracts players and coaches because it offers far greater media exposure and visibility than those offered in the rest of Asia. What's more, contracts in Lebanon are extremely competitive”. “We have been working for some time on a long-term vision of 20 years in collaboration with the academies to ensure the future of the sport. With this in mind, we have recruited international coaches to teach basketball philosophy and discipline.”

“I am obviously disappointed by the negative impact of the war on the development of basketball. The conflict interrupted a crucial project: the construction of a dedicated court for the national team. However, I remain optimistic and firmly believe that once peace has been restored, the project can be resumed.''

Have you noticed any difference in the players' motivation compared with previous qualifying windows?

“The delegation is now complete with the arrival of Omari Spellman on Tuesday. The players are in good health with no injuries and their morale is excellent. It's the first time I've seen such motivation in the team.

On The Road to the Asian Cup: a Team Ready for Anything 

In Dubai for over two weeks now, the Lebanese national team will be playing away from their fans in the qualifying windows for the Asian Cup. Lebanon will play two matches: against the United Arab Emirates on November 22 and against Syria on November 25; these matches were originally scheduled to take place in Lebanon. If Lebanon wins both matches, it will automatically qualify for the 2025 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.