Religious reasons have forced US basketball player, Ibrahim Jaaber, to end his contract with Lithuanian top side, Zalgiris Kaunas.

It was a huge surprise to the Zalgiris administration which found out about Jaaber’s decision in a letter.

According to the Kaunas side's website, the 28-year-old said he can’t play at the club which has cheerleaders in sexy outfits, and adverts for alcohol or betting firms on its uniform.

The Muslim player, who also has a Bulgarian passport and competes for the country’s national team, wrote that he’s most likely to quit playing in Europe.  

Jaaber added that he realizes that this decision will cost him financially, but he’s ready to make sacrifices for the sake of his beliefs.

The American has spent just six months in Lithuania, moving to Zalgiris from Italian side, AJ Milano, last October.

Zalgiris, who are currently battling in the Euroleague’s Top 16, say there are puzzled by the whole situation and planning to demand compensation from Jaaber.

Zalgiris Kaunas's Ibrahim Jaaber (R) vies with Anadolu Efes's Kerem Gonlum (L) during the Euroleague basketball match between Zalgiris Kaunas and Anadolu Efes at the Abdi Ipekci Sport Hall in Istanbul on January 25, 2013. (AFP Photo / Bulent Kilic)

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