Achara hits out in cash row

Kieron Achara’s landmark week turning out for Great Britain has been overshadowed by a row between players and basketball’s governing bodies,

The Renfrew star, and GB captain, reached 100 caps in the defeat to Estonia in Glasgow on Friday evening, before taking on Israel in Glasgow at the start of the week.

Great Britain’s basketball team released a statement following the second game, attacking some of the sport’s leaders’ plans to cut funding.

Achara’s teammate Dan Clark delivered the message, with Achara sitting by his side in front of the media present.

The side cri t i c i s e d Basketball England, Wales and Scotland over their reported plans.

The Glasgow Rocks forward was on hand with the whole squad, as they said the authorities were “dumping on those who have given so much for their sport and they country” as the three battle for control of the British Basketball Federation.

Proposals would see spending cut from £261,000 to £80,000 next year.

Achara said: “Negative press is not a great thing for the team or for the country. But we felt during this camp how deflating it can be when you’re trying to find a way to compete and there’s these battles happening away on the fringes.

“Because of that negativity, we feel that action needs to be taken at this time.”

A joint statement from the home country associations read: “The Home Country Associations of England, Scotland and Wales wish to jointly clarify their position to our membership and to GB players in relation to current negotiations on the future of British Basketball.

“We wish to confirm that all HCAs remain committed to working towards a structure and model for British Basketball that keeps GB teams on the floor for the long term and allows all parts of our sport to thrive.”