Russia vs. Serbia in the European Championships EuroBasket 2017 Semi-Final in Istanbul, Turkey (REUTERS)
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) on Wednesday excluded Russia and Belarus from participating and hosting international tournaments until further notice following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The men’s teams of Russia and Belarus have been withdrawn from European qualifiers for the World Cup next year and are not being replaced.
Russia has called the invasion a “a special military operation” while Belarus has served as a key staging area.
Russia’s women’s team, who were due to play in the World Cup in Australia this year, have been withdrawn and replaced by Puerto Rico, while the Under-17 women’s team of Russia have been replaced with Serbia for the World Cup in Hungary.
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, and moved or cancelled events in the countries.