Фото: pixabay.com
The Lithuanian Basketball association has criticised a decision by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to allow players from Russia and Belarus to take part in international 3×3 basketball competitions.
According to FIBA, Russia and Belarus will be allowed to field under-21 teams in the Asian zone of the Nations League, which will take place in China and Malaysia. The decision is based on a recommendation by the International Olympic Committee to lift restrictions for young athletes from these countries. In other tournaments, the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes of all age categories will remain in place at least until the next FIBA meeting in September 2026.
The Lithuanian federation described the decision as a “decline of values”.
“We strongly oppose the return of aggressor states to the international community. Although this decision regarding competitions in the Asian region will apparently not have a direct impact on tournaments and championships held in Europe, our association views it as a decline of values. There is a possibility that, after qualifying through regional competitions in Asia, the aforementioned countries could also appear in the final stages of the 3×3 World Tour in Europe. This will raise numerous legal and moral objections among most countries on our continent”, the association said.
The federation intends to raise the issue at the FIBA Europe assembly, which will take place in a few weeks in Iceland.
“It is obvious that while military aggression in Ukraine continues, neither Russian nor Belarusian basketball players can participate in any official competitions”, the statement concluded.