By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Bosnia is scheduled to compete in the upcoming EuroBasket and return to the tournament for the first time since 2015 but, as of now, the participation of the national team is considered questionable.
The Bosnian basketball federation announced that the organization can’t cover the costs that are required for the participation of its national teams in the upcoming 2022 summer tournaments, including the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers and the European championship. The Federation says that part of the funds for the preparation of the national teams has been secured with the help of sponsors and institutions but they are still in need of further financial assistance.
“We knocked on many doors and asked for support but mostly received negative answers. We have often been ignored. This particularly applies to state and local authorities,” the Federation says.
Bosnia announced its preliminary roster for the World Cup Qualifiers and the EuroBasket Monday (18/7). The list of players includes Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic and Real Madrid forward Dzanan Musa.
“We can’t explain the fact that there is more money from the state or federal budget for individual clubs and associations than for the national teams? Especially for basketball which has made our nation happy so many times and intends to do so in the coming months,” the Federation also mentions. “There’s currently no way out and the moment that we will be forced to cancel the participation in the competitions isn’t far.”
“We appeal to the potential sponsors, especially state and municipal institutions to help us. These are our national teams. Our boys and girls. They proudly want to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina, to see the flag of the homeland where it belongs, among the banners of European and world basketball superpowers.”
Photo: FIBA