5 CSKA Moscow players leave team for war between Russia, Ukraine

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Five CSKA Moscow players left the Russian basketball club due to the Russia-Ukraine war that started last week.

"For personal reasons related to the current situation between Russia and Ukraine, as well as its possible consequences, Tornike Shengelia, Iffe Lundberg, Marius Grigonis, Johannes Voigtmann and Joel Bolomboy left the location of CSKA," it said in a statement on Sunday.

CSKA Moscow said that the players have violated their contract terms each and club regulations but they will be treated "with understanding" by the club.

"The status of player agreements will be resolved when the political and sports situation in Europe returns to normal," it said and adding that all other CSKA players and staff go on to prepare for upcoming games.

Eight-time Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champions, CSKA Moscow are in the sixth spot in the competition as they are going 14-10 this season.

Following 34 games in regular season, the best eight teams will qualify for the 2022 EuroLeague playoffs.

Since Russia's war on Ukraine began last Thursday, it has been met by an outcry from the international community, with the EU, UK, and US implementing a range of economic sanctions against Russia.