FIBA LIFTS RESTRICTIONS ON RUSSIANS AND BELARUSIANS: Players, coaches, referees and officials can return to international competitions!

The International Basketball Federation FIBA announced that Russian and Belarusian basketball players, as well as coaches, referees, commissioners and other officials from the two countries, can once again participate in competitions under its jurisdiction.

FIBA has thus aligned itself with the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to lift the suspension on Russian and Belarusian athletes, but nevertheless stated that a decision on the potential return of the Russian and Belarusian national teams, as well as clubs from the two countries, to international competitions will not be made until December.

“When it comes to the participation of teams, it is necessary to work closely with the IOC, the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) and other federations for Olympic team sports in order to address logistical and player safety issues related to the re-inclusion of the Russian and Belarusian national teams in the qualification process for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, as well as in international competitions for national teams and clubs of all age groups in both Olympic disciplines under the jurisdiction of FIBA,” the FIBA statement reads.

“Specific decisions that can be implemented in this regard, including an adequate anti-doping program, will be made at the meeting of the FIBA Central Board in December this year,” the statement adds.