Panathinaikos Coach Ergin Ataman Rebuts Hapoel IBI President Ofer Yannay

During a press conference after the EuroLeague quarter‑final first leg, Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman sharply criticised Hapoel IBI president Ofer Yannay for comments he deemed disrespectful. Ataman told Yannay to “stay out of my business,” pointed to his three EuroLeague titles and warned that the president’s attitude would not bring success even with a larger budget. He also referenced a recent criticism of his own player, TJ Shorts, in the same playoff series. Yannay later posted Ataman’s remarks on the X platform, describing them as “disrespectful and arrogant.” The exchange highlights tension between the Greek club and the Israeli federation’s representative.