UPDATE: An Italian basketball team has been eliminated from the FIBA Champions League after a shocking forfeit during a playoff game on July 15, 2025. The Trapani Shark, facing severe financial issues, took the court against Israeli team Hapoel Netanel Holon with only five players, resulting in an automatic loss when they failed to maintain enough players on the court.
The game took place in Mies, Switzerland, where Trapani started with two players making their professional debuts. However, chaos erupted in the first quarter as three players reportedly ceased to participate due to undisclosed reasons. With just one player remaining and under three minutes left in the quarter, the match was halted as Trapani had “fewer than two players on the court ready to play,” according to competition organizers. At that moment, Hapoel was leading with an overwhelming score of 38-5.
This marked Game 1 of the competition’s play-ins, crucial for advancing to the round of 16. According to established rules, “a club that loses any game by forfeit or by default in the play-ins and the playoffs shall lose the series,” leading to Hapoel’s automatic advancement. The situation highlights the severe implications of Trapani’s ongoing financial struggles, which have left the team’s future in jeopardy.
In a bid to avoid a severe penalty of 600,000 euros ($700,000) from the Italian Basketball Federation, Trapani decided to participate in this match despite their precarious situation. The federation has already imposed fines and sanctions on the team this season, exacerbating its financial woes. Just days prior, on July 13, Trapani opted not to compete in a league match against Virtus Segafredo, raising further concerns regarding their operational viability.
The fallout from this incident could have lasting effects not only on the players’ careers but also on the club’s existence. As the basketball community reacts to this unprecedented situation, many are questioning the future of Trapani Shark and whether they can recover from this setback.
What’s next for Trapani? Fans and analysts are eagerly awaiting official statements regarding the club’s future actions and whether they can navigate through the financial turmoil that has led to this dramatic forfeit. This story is developing, and updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
