ImageIt is heavily rumored since yesterday evening that Azovmash Mariupol is going to renounce its Euroleague participation due to financial problems leaving a spot in the qualification round open.

Main candidates for this spot are Hemofarm Vrsac of Serbia and Aris Thessaloniki of Greece. Both clubs seem to be financially stable and competent enough to be competitive in Europe's best club competition.

Aris seems to have the edge though, probably due to the fact that the Greek League is opposing the new competition system proposed by Euroleague CEO Jordi Bertomeu. A possible Aris participation would mean that Greece gets four spots (2 direct participations and 2 in the qualifying round), which could lower the resistance of the Greek League.