Khaberni - The Basketball Federation directed two official letters to the administrations of Al Ahli and Orthodox, inviting the two clubs to attend a joint consultation meeting at the federation's headquarters tomorrow evening, Thursday, to discuss the reasons for their apologies for not participating in the Premier League, which is scheduled to start in December.
The Federation's letters to the presidents of the clubs, Michel Saigh (Orthodox) and Awni Ngoui (Al Ahli), stated that the federation "highly appreciates the historical role of the clubs in supporting the journey of Jordanian basketball and developing it over the years," emphasizing "the importance of responsible dialogue to prioritize the game’s higher interest and to enhance the ties of constructive cooperation among all parties of the system."
The Federation in its letters stated that it "looks forward to discussing the reasons for the withdrawal from the Premier League and the clubs’ proposals on developing the championship and enhancing it," hoping that the meeting would lead to "formulating consensus solutions that preserve the clubs’ status and contribute to the continued development of the Jordanian basketball system," according to Al Ghad.
In its letters, the Federation concluded by affirming that this invitation comes "within the framework of caring for the unity of the basketball family and commitment to purposeful dialogue that serves the interest of the game and advances it towards more success and prosperity."
In its official response directed to the vice president of the Federation, lawyer Mustafa Salem Al Lozi, Al Ahli Club announced its apology for not attending the meeting invited by the Federation on Thursday, due to the football team's commitment to an official match in the professional league against Hussein Irbid Club on the same day.
The club explained in its response signed by its president Awni Ngoui that "Al Ahli Club has always been a supporter of developing the game and open to any constructive dialogue," suggesting a new meeting date next Saturday at Al Ahli Club headquarters, stressing that holding the meeting at the club "is the most suitable and effective manner that allows the federation to hear the clubs’ viewpoints directly and comprehensively."
Al Ahli reiterated in its letter that it "welcomes the participation of all parties interested in reform and development, and that the club believes in the importance of continuing discussions about the future of the game and the necessity to develop practical solutions for the upcoming challenges," adding that the goal of the new invitation is "to embark on a candid and transparent dialogue that serves the interest of Jordanian basketball."
In a related context, the Orthodox Club sent an official invitation to the local media to attend a press conference at 5 PM today at the club's headquarters, in order to clarify the reasons that led the club's management to decide to withdraw from the Premier League.
It is expected that members of the board will speak at the conference to explain the circumstances and challenges that the club faced, in addition to clarifying its stance on the next phase and relation with the Basketball Federation.
A few days ago, the Basketball Federation confirmed in an official statement, responding to a statement issued by Al Ahli Club announcing its withdrawal from the Premier League, that it deals with all clubs equidistantly, and is committed to ongoing dialogue and participatory decision-making, noting that all systems and instructions for the new season were prepared in full coordination with the clubs, including those that had recently withdrawn from the league championship.
The Federation clarified that the withdrawal of Al Ahli and Orthodox came despite previous understandings with the clubs, affirming that all instructions and decisions related to the league start date or the transfer period were issued in agreement with representatives of all clubs, consistent with the Asian qualifiers windows and financial support from the sponsors, within the time frame known in December of each year.
Regarding the Orthodox Club, the statement mentioned that the Union held a comprehensive meeting on October 8, 2025, attended by all club presidents and secretaries, except for the Orthodox Club, which was absent from the meeting without giving any reasons, despite receiving the official invitation. The meeting discussed the draft instructions for the leagues, reviewed recommendations from Canadian Technical Director Roy Rana, and consensus was reached on the final modifications in consultation with all parties.
The Federation emphasized that its position on the withdrawing clubs, led by Al Ahli, is based on openness and readiness for dialogue at any time, calling these clubs to return to the discussion table to preserve the interest of Jordanian basketball, and confirming that the Union's door will remain open to all clubs without exception.
