Charbel Rizk: Journey, Referees Situation, Coach Jad El Hajj, Federation’s Projects & More

It’s the first episode of Stat Line in 2026, and we had the chance to sit down with the Secretary General of the Lebanese Basketball Federation, Charbel Rizk, for an open and insightful conversation.

In this episode, we discuss multiple topics, including:

His basketball journey, from the courts to the offices
Scouting Lebanese talent and players of Lebanese origin abroad
The referees’ situation and the incident involving Coach Jad El Hajj
The current crises at Maristes Club and Tadamoun Hrajel
The National Team’s naturalized player, and whether that decision is final
The Federation’s projects and long-term plans for youth and schools leagues

And… a press conference is in the works.

Stat Line is a Sports Pen podcast brought to you by Pen Media, in collaboration with the Lebanese Basketball Federation.

Chapters:

00:00-4:46: Intro + his basketball journey
4:46-5:56: His bond with President Akram Halabi
5:56- 9:17: Referees’ situation
9:17- 10:19: Jad el Hajj’s disqualifying foul and actions
10:19-14:09: Resolving and avoiding these issues with referees
14:09- 16:37: Crises at Maristes Club and Tadamon Hrajel
16:37-17:32 : Satisfaction with the league this season
17:32-19:24: Off-season workshop
19:24-24:28: National team and naturalized player
24:28-26:11: Yoyo, Jihad, and the safe future of basketball
26:11- 29:21: Scouting players abroad, Elite academy, and Women’s U18 National team
29:21-34:00 : Youth and schools leagues + referee graduates
34:00- 36:46: Direction of Lebanese basketball, obstacle, press conference incoming + outro


Watch till the end!

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