The tension between the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) and Metropolitans 92 is heating up. The Boulogne-Levallois club released a statement on Thursday evening in which they challenge the decision of the FFBB to summon their guard and captain Lahaou Konaté (32 years old) for a 3×3 basketball Olympic qualifying tournament in May in Japan, despite their refusal to release him.
During a meeting on March 13 with the national technical director and the coach of the French 3×3 team, the club stated that they would not agree to release their players. They were informed that a summons could be issued, which has now been done.
Lahaou Konaté will be with the French team for a training camp in Seoul (April 16-23) and the Olympic qualifying tournament (April 23-May 7). This tournament is the second-to-last chance for the French men’s 3×3 team to qualify for the Paris Olympics this summer. The Mets regret that Konaté will miss 4 out of 8 remaining matches of the season.
The club expresses their disappointment at the lack of compensation offered by the FFBB. The absence of their captain will impact their fight to avoid relegation and qualify for the playoffs in the Elite league. They view this situation as disrespectful to the club, shareholders, coaching staff, partners, fans, and the LNB.
The club highlights the financial impact of losing their captain, estimating the total cost at 19,500 euros including salary, charges, and benefits. Even with Konaté, the club, currently in last place in the Elite league, has slim chances of avoiding relegation.
The conflict between the FFBB and Metropolitans 92 continues to escalate, raising questions about fairness and respect within French basketball.
