FIBA release statement on Russian teams and officials

The Local Organising Committee of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 has released the following statement on Russian teams and officials on behalf of FIBA (world governing body for basketball).

“FIBA remains very concerned by the recent events in Ukraine and expresses its deepest sympathies to the victims.

“In line with the International Olympic Committee Executive Board resolution and its reasons, FIBA has announced today that Russian teams and officials will not be allowed to participate in FIBA Basketball and 3x3 Basketball competitions until further notice.

“FIBA will communicate any further decisions taken by the Central Board at its meeting on 25th March, as well as by FIBA's European Zone bodies in the next coming days.

“FIBA strongly condemns violence and hopes peace will urgently prevail.”

FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Draw

The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Draw will proceed tomorrow (Thursday, 3rd March) in Sydney, Australia, with the results determining which of the two groups of the Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 each of the twelve teams will compete in.

Following FIBA's decision on Russian teams, the Draw will feature a team "To Be Determined" (TBD), which will be drawn without geographical restriction. The Central Board will determine in due course the team from the Washington/Santo Domingo Qualifying Tournament that will participate in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022.

The confirmed teams competing in this year's Women's World Cup, tipping off Thursday, 22nd September, will be Australia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, China, France, Japan, Korea, Nigeria, Serbia and USA.

Opals legendary point guard Michele Timms will perform the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Draw.