The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has invoked a ban on Russia and Belarus.
As a result, Russia and Belarus will be unable to participate in and host international tournaments until further notice following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
FIBA’s executive committee made the decision to withdraw all Russian and Belarusian teams from international competitions through the end of 2022, which includes removing the men’s teams from the 2023 World Cup qualifiers
The Russian men’s team is currently ranked No. 15 in the world and was 3–0 in European qualifying play, with their last win coming over the Netherlands on Feb. 24—the same day the Russian army invaded Ukraine.
Russia has called the invasion a “special military operation” while Belarus has served as a key staging area.
The Russian women’s team will also be forced to withdraw from the 2022 Cup, despite having already qualified for the event in Sydney this upcoming September.
Puerto Rico will fill Russia’s place, according to FIBA.
The Under-17 women’s team of Russia has been replaced with Serbia for the World Cup in Hungary.
The FIBA ban on Russia and Belarus means neither country is allowed to participate in 3X3 competitions this year, including the World Cup.
Several sports federations have banned Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials already.
The Champions League final was the first event to be taken away from Russia with Paris replacing St. Petersburg.
Nikita Mazepin was let go from F1 and the Russian Grand Prix was canceled, and FIFA and UEFA have also banned Russian and Belarusian teams and players from its competitions including this year’s Qatar World Cup.
The upcoming Wimbledon grand slam will also not feature any Russian and Belarusian stars including World no.2 Daniil Medvedev.
