The UAE will replace Iraq basketball team as Lebanon’s replacement in the coming 17th FIBA Asia Championship even as the Lebanese basketball federation appealed its indefinite suspension by the FIBA Central Board.
The United Arab Emirates national basketball team got the invitation after Iraq decline to participate citing lack of preparation for the national basketball team. The UAE is the fourth placer behind Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in the last Gulf Basketball (–foul word(s) removed–)ociation Championship.
The UAE is also a prominent member of Asian Basketball Championship for they had already participated in the last 10 Asian meet. The team will take the spot of Lebanon in Group B, joining fellow Gulf basketball squad Qatar, and Asian powerhouse Japan and fast-rising basketball team Hong Kong.
The Top 3 in each group will advance to the second round, playing the top three in Group A composed of the Philippines, Jordan, Chinese Taipei and Saudi Arabia. Although Lebanon was suspended already they are still hoping that its suspension will be lifted in time for the FIBA Asia Championship, in fact they are currently in the Philippines for practice.
FIBA secretary general Patrick Bauhmann Friday announced the indefinite suspension of Lebanon from the FIBA rolls following unresolved issues within the Lebanese cage body. The suspension of Lebanon forced them to cancel their podium finish in the recently concluded Jones Cup which they supposed to play against eventual champion Iran.
