By Emre Asikci
ISTANBUL (AA) - Bursa Uludag Basketbol players could not play in the FIBA EuroCup Women's Play-Off Round game Thursday because of visa issues.
"Despite exhaustive efforts, our team is regrettably unable to participate in today's scheduled match," the Turkish club said in a statement. "The hindrance arises from the fact that the visas for the majority of our players were not approved by the British Embassy, with only five players exemptions from the delay."
Bursa Uludag Basketbol said although the passports of all players are valid in European countries and they sent just five players with visa exemption to London to play the match due to the visa requirement of Great Britain, the situation was not accepted.
The Turkish club said they cannot be held responsible for any material and moral damage resulting from the situation.
"Despite our exhaustive efforts to prevent this, the outcome has been inconclusive," they said.
"We are participating in the game with only five players. However, we want to assure everyone that we remain fully dedicated to our team, and we will continue to work tirelessly to navigate through these challenges," they added.
Meanwhile, the Play-Off Round 1 game ended 122-63 in favor of the London Lions.
There were no players or coaches on the bench of the Turkish team, who were on the field with five players at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.