"French Basketball Federation announces efforts to bring back Thomas Ullert".

 After the French National Team's FIBA World Cup Disappointment, FFBB Addresses Thomas Heurtel Issue"

In the wake of the French national team's disappointing performance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the issue of Thomas Heurtel has once again come into the spotlight. The French Basketball Federation (FFBB) recently held a press conference to address this matter.

During the press conference, it was announced that Vincent Collet would continue as the head coach of the national team for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, despite their 18th-place finish in the recent international tournament.

After the World Cup concluded, team captain Nicolas Batum criticized the FFBB for not allowing Heurtel to represent the country. In response, the Minister of Sport and the Olympic & Paralympic Games weighed in on the matter.

Heurtel was barred from playing for France after he agreed to join Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2022.

This situation has particularly irked the players, as the rule appears to be selectively applied. Notably, French volleyball player Jenia Grebennikov, who plays as a libero for Zenit Saint Petersburg, was not banned from the national team and continues to represent France.

Addressing the issue, FFBB president Jean-Pierre Siutat stated that they would take additional steps to reinstate Heurtel in the lineup in time for the Paris Olympics.

"We will work on the political level, and we are exploring all possible solutions that would enable him to be eligible for selection," Siutat said regarding Heurtel.

"Everyone must understand that nothing will be possible if we don’t come together as a team," Collet emphasized.