By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Despite the report by “El Mundo Deportivo” about China and Russia withdrawing their bids for a FIBA World Cup wildcard, there is an official denial from Russia and silence about China. FIBA didn’t issue any statement about the matter, however Russian federation president Yulia Anikeeva has stated that her country is still in the race.
According to other federations with interest on the wild card bids, there was no indication about China deciding to stay out of the race and probably no reason to do so. It has to be noted that in China there is a seven days national holiday, because of the celebration for the lunar New Year, so the civil services are not open. That includes the basketball federation and also most major news outlets.
Eurohoops analyzed the race on Thursday, including China and Russia, the Asian country should be considered a lock to get the wildcard, unless they decide to withdraw and in few hours we will know the final decision.