Now it's official: FIBA suspends Lebanese Basketball Federation

Lebanese Basketball Federation failed to comply with the rules set by FIBA to prevent a possible suspension due to political and judicial interferences inside the organization. Contrary to earlier reports, FIBA did not disclose the duration of the suspension and said that it will only last 'until' proper structures and statutes are put into place to ensure that basic activities - such as holding of a national championship - of the national federation can be carried out smoothly, with proper regulations and without political interference. The following is the press release posted by FIBA on their website:

MIES - Following the disruption of the Lebanese national championship due to political and judicial interferences, FIBA suspended the Lebanese Basketball Federation (LBF) on 11 July 2013 for serious infringement of the FIBA General Statutes and all principles under which the Olympic sports movement is founded.

After a thorough review of the situation, FIBA notes that the LBF is not properly armed to face political interferences and solve sporting disputes within its own structures. In addition, FIBA has been informed of allegations of wrongdoings and political pressure leading a number of federation officials to resign from their positions in the Management Board.

FIBA and FIBA Asia did not want to penalise athletes, technical staff, sponsors and basketball fans who have worked for so long and eagerly awaited the participation of Lebanon at the upcoming FIBA Asia Championship and possibly the FIBA Basketball World Cup. This is why FIBA offered - through a letter dated 28 June 2013 - the LBF the opportunity to solve these matters urgently. Regretfully, the Lebanese basketball family was not in the position to meet the requirements outlined and must now assume the consequences of its organisational deficiencies and actions.

Until proper structures and statutes are put into place to ensure that basic activities - such as holding of a national championship - of the national federation can be carried out smoothly, with proper regulations and without political interference, the LBF shall not be re-admitted with full rights as a member of FIBA or be allowed to participate in international basketball competitions.

FIBA and FIBA Asia remain fully committed to helping the LBF in its re-organisation process. FIBA will establish a Working group to meet with all parties, supervise the Extraordinary General Assembly and help establish a federation that functions independently and effectively, in accordance with all principles that are at the core of FIBA's General Statutes.

FIBA

UAE will replace Lebanon in the upcoming FIBA Asia Championship. They will join Japan, Hongkong and Qatar in Group B.