The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has banned Russia and Belarus from participating in and hosting international tournaments until further notice following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The decision will prohibit the teams from taking part in both the Women’s World Cup and the Men’s World Cup qualifier. The Women’s World Cup will start this year in September in Australia. Russia`s women`s team has been withdrawn and replaced by Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, their teams are also removed from the U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022. FIBA released a press release regarding the same.
Serbia to replace Russia in FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup
The Russian Basketball Federation (RBF) stated that the decision was made to safeguard their athletes. “FIBA’s decision is primarily due to the impossibility of ensuring the safety of Russian teams during international competitions,” they said in a statement. “At the same time, there is no complete disqualification, as it happened with the Russian national teams in many other sports. The leadership of the RBF expected, understands, and is making this decision in connection with the current situation in the world and is in constant contact with FIBA representatives,” they added. This isn’t the first time Russia is facing a ban. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has certainly caused both countries to suffer on several fronts.