ALBA Berlin parts ways with Khalifa Koumadje following suspension.©(@Eurohoopsnet )
ALBA Berlin announced Tuesday that the club had parted ways with Khalifa Koumadje by mutual agreement. The towering center, who had been with the team since 2020, departs amid unresolved allegations that led to his suspension last month.
“We thank Khalifa for the time we spent together in Berlin and wish him much success in the future,” stated ALBA Berlin’s sports director Himar Ojeda in an official release. “We now hope to quickly find a replacement for our big positions who fits us and can help us as much as possible in our still very tense squad situation.”
The announcement came at the same time as news from China, where Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) revealed they had reached an agreement with Koumadje, subject to medical approval. If finalized, Koumadje will sign a contract for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
Koumadje, 28, last appeared for ALBA Berlin on October 24. Five days later, the club suspended him indefinitely following allegations not disclosed in detail. General Manager Marco Baldi addressed the situation then, stating: “We have become aware of allegations that have been made against Khalifa. We take these allegations very seriously. Khalifa will be suspended until these allegations are fully clarified. We will inform you about further developments at the appropriate time.”
During his tenure with ALBA Berlin, Koumadje was a key presence in the paint. In five EuroLeague appearances this season, he averaged 4.4 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. His contributions in the domestic league, the easyCredit BBL, included averages of 7.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game early in the 2024-25 campaign.
Koumadje’s time in Berlin was highlighted by significant achievements, including back-to-back BBL championships in 2021 and 2022 and a BBL-Pokal trophy in 2022. Over his 89 EuroLeague appearances with the Albatrosse, Koumadje was known for his defensive prowess and rebounding ability, which earned him a key role in the team’s successes.
As Koumadje prepares for the next chapter in China’s CBA, ALBA Berlin faces the challenge of bolstering their frontcourt amidst an already strained roster. The club has expressed urgency in securing a replacement to maintain competitiveness in both domestic and international competitions.
The circumstances surrounding Koumadje’s departure remain unresolved, and ALBA Berlin has yet to provide additional details on its investigation’s allegations or findings.
