A significant rift has emerged between the Basque Pelota Federation and the two main professional promoters, Aspe and Baiko Pilota, who form the Pelota Pro Liga entente. The core of the dispute lies in the upcoming professional debuts of several promising players.
Backend player Oier Elorz from Biscay and fronton player Eñaut Lizeaga from Gipuzkoa, both candidates for the upcoming World Championship in Argentina, are slated to make their professional debuts in the coming months. This move could effectively end their chances of competing for the Euskal Selekzioa (Basque Selection) in the premier left-wall competition.
“"Our biggest rival is professional hand-pelota companies."
Joxemari Mitxelena, president of the Basque Federation, stated in an interview with Radio Euskadi that "our biggest rival is professional hand-pelota companies." He emphasized that professional players are not considered athletes by the Federation as they lack its license, reinforcing his view that professional pelota is the main adversary for the Euskal Selekzioa.
According to Mitxelena, the official participation of the Basque team in international tournaments has shifted the aspirations of young talents. "Until now, the only goal was to turn professional. Now there are two: play with the Euskal Selekzioa and make history," he explained, expressing his "pain" over the current situation.
