Basketball Australia withdraws Boomers from FIBA World Cup qualifying game in Iran

Basketball Australia has withdrawn the national men's team, the Boomers, from a FIBA World Cup qualifier against Iran in Tehran on Tuesday citing player safety concerns as a result of recent unrest in the country.

Recent weeks have seen the Iranian Government violently suppress a series of protests that had erupted in the country following the death of a young woman, who was reportedly violently arrested by the country’s Guidance Patrol in September for failing to wear her hijab properly. She died in custody three days after falling into a coma.

Iran is currently one of 19 countries to which the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade  (DFAT) advises Australians not to travel.

Following the defeat of Kazakhstan that sealed their spot in next year’s tournament, the Boomers had been due to travel to the Iranian capital of Tehran and meet Iran on Tuesday (AEDT). Instead, the side will return to Australia and await instructions from world basketball governing body FIBA as to whether the match will be rescheduled elsewhere.

Released today, Basketball Australia’s statement read “Basketball Australia have conducted a thorough risk assessment in conjunction with relevant authorities and as a result we will not be sending any teams into Iran at this time.”

DFAT’s travel advice notes “protests continue around the country and there’s been an increase in the number of foreign nationals arrested.

“Medical evacuation may be difficult. If you’re in Iran, we recommend you leave. Airlines may cancel or reduce their operations to and from Iran at short notice.”

The decision to withdraw will not affect Australia’s qualification for the World Cup, set to be held across Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines from August next year.