Why did Trapani Shark have only one player on the court?

Three players reportedly stopped playing, and a fourth fouled out, leaving the team with insufficient players to continue the game.

What competition did Trapani Shark get eliminated from?

Trapani Shark was eliminated from the FIBA Champions League competition after defaulting their playoff game.

Were there financial problems with Trapani Shark?

Yes, the article indicates that Trapani Shark is reportedly experiencing financial problems.

Home / Sports / Basketball Team Left with One Player on Court, Loses Automatically

Basketball Team Left with One Player on Court, Loses Automatically

7 Jan

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Summary

Italian basketball team defaulted after only one player remained on court.
Financial issues cited as potential reason for player shortage.
Team forfeited a playoff game, resulting in elimination from competition.

Basketball Team Left with One Player on Court, Loses Automatically

An Italian basketball club, Trapani Shark, experienced a dramatic turn of events during a FIBA Champions League playoff game in Bulgaria on Tuesday. The team, reportedly facing financial difficulties, began the match with only five players, including two making their professional debuts. The situation escalated when three players stopped playing within the first quarter.

Following a player fouling out, Trapani was left with fewer than the required two available players, leading to an immediate stoppage of the game. At the time, their opponent, Hapoel Netanel Holon, held a commanding 38-5 lead. Competition organizers confirmed the match had to be stopped due to the insufficient number of players ready to play.

This default automatically resulted in Holon advancing to the next round, eliminating Trapani from the competition. The Italian team's participation was reportedly an effort to avoid a substantial 600,000 euro fine. Trapani has faced previous sanctions from the Italian Basketball Federation this season.