MoraBanc Andorra President Offers Resignation After Dramatic ACB Survival

MoraBanc Andorra president Gorka Aixàs has placed his position at the disposal of the board following the club's dramatic ACB survival, questioning whether he and general manager Francesc Solana represent part of the problem or the solution after the worst league record in 15 campaigns.

The team secured its place in Spain's top basketball division on the final day with a 95-100 overtime defeat to Barcelona at Pavelló Toni Martí. Safety came when Gran Canaria lost 105-81 at Valencia with over six minutes remaining, while a Zaragoza buzzer-beater in another match confirmed the outcome. Fans invaded the court for celebrations amid the ongoing overtime.

The 10-24 finish marked the poorest performance since joining the ACB, worse even than the prior relegation season despite one of the league's smallest budgets. Officials credited unity among players, staff and supporters, with fan attendance growing from 250 in 2010 to regular sellouts. Solana described it as a "very happy night" on Ràdio Nacional d'Andorra, praising the group's focus amid widespread distress and sleepless nights.

Coach Zan Tabak, appointed mid-season with a contract expiring end-June, highlighted the collective belief when few others did. "We've stayed united and believed until the final whistle," he said, noting no street criticism and feeling at home. Accustomed to tougher environments, he added: "I've been at many clubs; this country, this club and these fans deserve the ACB." Tabak called the Burgos defeat "very painful" but character-building, tougher than past titles, insisting: "I didn't save the team; the club did." He left his future open, saying decisions involve both sides beyond finances or objectives, and expressed gratitude. Aixàs voiced support for Tabak's continuation if the coach agrees, while noting alternative roles like sporting director remain possible.

Three days post-survival, Aixàs escalated doubts in an Ràdio Nacional d'Andorra interview, admitting discomfort with the club's direction over recent seasons. "We're distorting ourselves these last four years; we used to overachieve," he said, lamenting lost ambition and identity of punching above financial limits. "If I'm here, it must be to restore what we've always been." He revealed no continuity discussions with Solana this season, prioritising survival: "The Francesc and I haven't sat down for a second." Aixàs offered his role—and Solana's—to the board and shareholders for review, stating: "We must reflect if we form part of the problem or the solution." Both are major shareholders, complicating any changes. He described the campaign as unequivocally poor yet praised late resilience after Burgos and Granada setbacks.

Solana called for realistic analysis of strengths, errors and Andorra's resources: "We must be aware of what we are." Captain Rafa Luz stressed the city-team bond: "We need to stay 100% united." Players like Artem Pustovyi emphasised national importance, while Chumi Ortega noted enduring a long season.

With permanency assured via a three-way tiebreaker, focus shifts to roster moves. Renewals are in place for Luz and Kyle Kuric; an agreement exists for Ortega. Contracts end for Rice, Castañeda, Best, McKoy and Ganal, with some buyout clauses. Aixàs praised Yves Pons as the best signing and noted Best and McKoy's improved output after earlier threats of departure. The board will decide on leadership and direction to avoid future relegation fights.