The gold-and-black entity has expressed its discontent with the current competition format, especially after recent editions where the team fell in the semifinals and subsequently in the battle for bronze. This situation has reignited the debate about the appropriateness of playing these matches.
“"My first opinion is that it seems the players' opinion is worth nothing, no matter how hard we try, they don't take us into account much; that's my first opinion."
A team player, after the defeat in the last match, openly criticized the system, pointing out that the fight for third place is “completely avoidable” and “practically useless.” He added that playing this match is “quite detrimental in every sense,” regardless of the outcome.
The management of the club has also joined these criticisms. The club president has argued that the economic prize of 100,000 euros is “absurd,” as travel expenses are not compensated. For the management, the bronze medal match represents “more risk than benefit, neither economic nor sporting.”
“"Honestly, I think it's a match where you're hardly playing for anything."
The management has recalled that other competitions, such as the EuroLeague, have already abolished this third-place dispute, and that it has never existed in the Copa del Rey. They hope that the BCL will consider these complaints and make a decision before the next season, to avoid a possible decrease in public attendance at a tournament of only two matchdays.
