By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
FIBA informed the Russian basketball federation that it’s no longer qualified to be part of the international federation and that every Russian national team or club is banned from FIBA tournaments.
However, this seems to be more like a political move in order for things to change in the Russian federation, than anything else. The letter which is addressed to federation president Julia Anikeeva confirmes that the Russian federation is “disqualified”, however “the suspension will not affect the status of national teams which are currently taking part in FIBA competitions, as well as in the FIBA Europe Women’s U18 tournament, which starts in a few days”.
Anikeeva is invited in the meeting of FIBA central board in Tokyo (August 8-9) in order to “provide an explanation of the situation and its development”. If that happens, then the sanctions will be lifted. If not, then there’s danger for Russia missing the upcoming Eurobasket.