MANILA, Philippines—The International Basketball Federation (Fiba) is set to arrive next week in the Philippines to inspect existing venues for the country’s bid to host the 2019 Fiba World Cup, according to businessman Manny Pangilinan.
Manny V. Pangilinan. FILE PHOTO
“Fiba Evaluation Commission – Inspection Team – coming next week to Manila. Good luck to us!” Pangilinan, who is president of the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas, posted on his official Twitter account.
The Fiba Evaluation Commission, led by Fiba secretary general Patrick Baumann, will inspect sports facilities which could be possibly used in the 2019 Fiba World Cup such as the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan province, Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, and the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Philippines will have to beat China, Turkey, Qatar and a joint bid by Germany and France to host the Fiba World Cup.
The country hosted the Fiba Asia Championship in 2013 wherein the Philippine team won a silver medal after bowing to Iran.
The Philippines last hosted the Fiba World Cup in 1978.
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