Managing partner of Andersen Legal, Greece, Theodore Pistiolis has been appointed as an arbitrator to The Euroleague Basketball Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC).

Euroleague Basketball and the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board (EHCB) joined forces to publicly announce the agreement reached between the parties to form a resolution body that will help solve disputes when clubs and head coaches choose to terminate contracts between them.

The Euroleague Basketball Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) is an independent body that through its Arbitration Code brings rapid contract termination dispute resolution between clubs and head coaches within the Euroleague Basketball governance system.

The DRC Board, whose responsibility is to oversee the correct application of the Arbitration Code, is composed by Mr. Luigi Fumagalli, Mr. Andrea Fioravanti, and Mr. Jose Meirim. The list of DRC arbitrators is composed by Mr. Pierfilippo Capello, Mr. Lucas Ferrer, Mr. Martin Henssler, Mr. Jan Kleiner, Mr. Dennis Koolard, Mr. Emin Ozkurt, Ms. Lauren Page, Mr. Theodore Pistiolis and Mr. Bojan Urdarevic.

Eduard J. Scott, Chief Operations Officer, Euroleague Basketball, stated: “We are very satisfied to announce this agreement with the EHCB. Head coaches are important contributors to the EuroLeague competition, providing unquestionable leadership on the court. For the EuroLeague to continue to grow and improve further, their leadership off the court is also important. Our clubs wish to continuously support and better integrate our head coaches as well as our players and referees into that growth process. This is achieved through ongoing dialogue and improved working conditions, which positively contribute to making the EuroLeague better for our fans – the primary goal in everything that we do.”

 Zeljko Obradovic, President, EuroLeague Head Coaches Board, stated: “At the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board, we have a clear idea that our goal is to establish the right framework and a platform for growth for future generations of coaches and basketball in general. Part of that responsibility is being heard in governance, especially labor regulations and competition development and their implementations. Though there may be changes, the role of a coach on the court and off it is key for the sport, and we all understand our obligations and responsibilities associated with the job. However, we have rights that need to be protected.”

Read the official press release here