{"id":192459,"date":"2026-06-18T19:02:31","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T16:02:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/192459\/"},"modified":"2026-06-18T19:02:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T16:02:33","slug":"basketball-federations-warn-fiba-against-clearing-belarus-athletes-to-compete","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/192459\/","title":{"rendered":"Basketball federations warn FIBA against clearing Belarus athletes to compete"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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June 18, <\/strong>Pozirk<\/strong>.<\/em> Ten national basketball federations have appealed to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) regarding the potential participation of Russia and Belarus in the 3×3 U23 World Championship, basketnews.lt<\/em> reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A joint statement by the federations of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Ukraine pointed out that although a final decision on tournament participants has not yet been made, Russian and Belarusian teams have been allowed to participate in the U21 3×3 Nations League in July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, both countries could qualify for the U23, scheduled for September 15\u201319, they warned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“More than four years after the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the war continues. Ukrainian athletes, coaches and sports organizations continue to suffer the consequences of Russian aggression, while Belarus remains a supporter and accomplice of this aggression,” the statement reads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We believe that the participation of the Russian and Belarusian national teams in international basketball competitions under their national flags, anthems and symbols is unacceptable and contradicts the values \u200b\u200bof responsibility, solidarity and respect on which international sport is based,” the document stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earlier this year, FIBA granted Belarus and Russia an exceptional authorization to register U21 teams in the FIBA 3\u00d73 Youth Nations League, which will be hosted by China and Malaysia. However, it reaffirmed the preservation of the current status of Russian and Belarusian teams for all other competitions, including the Youth EuroBaskets 2026, until September, when the next Executive Committee is scheduled to meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On May 7, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) lifted recommendations to restrict the participation of Belarusian athletes, including teams, in competitions by international federations and international sports event organizers. Ukraine expressed protest and disappointment with the IOC decision, stressing that it contradicted the fundamental principles of justice, responsibility and Olympic values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All restrictions on Belarusian athletes have been lifted by the World Dance Sport Federation, the World Confederation of Billiards Sports, the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation, the International Federation of Muaythai Associations, World Gymnastics, European Gymnastics, the International Volleyball Federation and World Boxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the International Tennis Federation and World Athletics have maintained restrictions imposed in connection with Russia\u2019s war against Ukraine and the Belarusian regime\u2019s role in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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