Russian basketball team excluded from qualification for Olympics

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) did not allow the Russian national team to participate in the qualification for the Olympic Games in Paris.

Source: FIBA official website

At the end of March, the International Olympic Committee made a high-profile decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the Paris Olympics.

Despite Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, with the support of Belarus, the organization allowed federations to allow players from these countries to compete.

Russian athletes will be able to play only under a neutral flag and in compliance with anti-war requirements. However, these rules apply only to individual athletes.

Olympic basketball without Russia

Russians are still not allowed to participate in team sports. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has decided to follow the IOC’s recommendations, and to excluded the team from the war aggressor state from the competition.

The Executive Committee decided not to allow the Russian national team to participate in the Olympic pre-qualifying tournament. Bulgaria will take its place in this round in Europe. Ukraine is also among the candidates for qualification.

Now, 16 European national teams will be divided into two groups of 8 teams. The draw will take place on May 1, and the matches will be held from August 12 to 20. The two teams that win the pre-qualifying round will advance to the qualifying stage.