RUSSIAN Euroleague club UMMC Ekaterinburg has refused Kristi Harrower’s release to play for the Bendigo Bank Spirit.Harrower intends to play for the Spirit in the Women’s National Basketball League this season after UMMC Ekaterinburg cut her on the eve of the season just one year into her two-year contract.However, Spirit coach Bernie Harrower said yesterday the Russian club had refused his daughter’s release.With UMMC Ekaterinburg holding up Harrower’s release, it’s unlikely the three-time Olympian will be clear to play for the Spirit in its WNBL season-opener against the Canberra Capitals at the Schweppes Centre tomorrow night.“We had received an e-mail from Kristi’s agent saying the club is going to make a decision about it on Friday their time, but we have now received an e-mail saying her clearance has been knocked back,’’ Bernie said.“We are getting the impression the club wants some sort of agreement from Kristi, because they are the ones holding all the aces.“They have got her contract and they have to pay her, so they can basically do whatever they like, and I don’t know what sort of recourse Kristi has for that.“It’s all going to be about what the club can achieve out of it, whether that’s a discount about how much they have to pay her, so there are lots of issues to go through.’’It has been reported Harrower’s deal with UMMC Ekaterinburg was understood to be worth more than $200,000 a season.“It’s a lot of money involved, but I’m certainly not going to say a figure,’’ Bernie said. “It’s Kristi’s livelihood and that’s the first thing that has to be taken care of.“It may get to a situation where she doesn’t get to play this season and they (UMMC Ekaterinburg) just have to pay her out over the course of the contract.”We felt if she was released to play in Australia then she would be no threat to them, whereas if she was released and then went and played for another European club, she would be a threat.“If she plays in Australia, it doesn’t constitute any threat to what they are trying to achieve with their team.“At the moment the ball is in the court of the Russians as to whether they want to release her or not.’’A point guard, Harrower played a key role in Australia’s silver medal-winning campaigns at the 2000, ‘04 and ‘08 Olympic Games.The Spirit’s game against Canberra tomorrow night tips off at 7.30pm at the Schweppes Centre in West Bendigo.