By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
FIBA issued an apology to young French star Victor Wembanyama after the player accused the organization of recently publishing a “fake” interview with him. In its statement, FIBA says that it couldn’t be confirmed whether the interview was genuine or not and that the article was removed from its website.
“After doubts were expressed by the player regarding the interview, which was provided to FIBA by a long-time French contributor, the veracity of the interview could not be confirmed. FIBA has without delay removed the article and all related social media posts,” FIBA mentions.
— FIBA Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWC) February 22, 2023
“4 days ago, FIBA published a FAKE nterview of me. WTF???” Wembanyama wrote on his Instagram. According to sources, Wembanyama gave an interview only to the French national public television (France Télévisions) during the training camp of Les Bleus ahead of February’s World Cup Qualifiers games (23/2 vs. Czech Republic and 26/2 against Lithuania).
Wembanyama, the grand favorite for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, will join the already qualified France in both these games. He made his debut with the senior team during November’s Window, averaging 24.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals in wins over Bosnia and Lithuania.