The International Federation expresses its satisfaction with the organization of the November window for the FIBA Continental Cup qualifiers on four continents “As a result of an extraordinary effort by the international basketball community amid the global pandemic.”
With the health and safety of all participants being the top priority, the 78 qualifying matches, which included 72 teams and 870 players from around the world, took place in protected bubbles in 15 different cities in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe.
“The successful and consistent implementation of extensive precautionary measures, developed by the FIBA Medical Commission after consultation with the World Health Organization, across all bubbles has led to only four games postponed under the Covid-19 protocol for official competitions of FIBA national teams and clubs. This is testament to FIBA’s ability to organize safe operations on such a large scale with its regional offices in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe. ”
All athletes and team members were required to present two negative COVID-19 tests before going to the bubbles – with one test taken no later than 72 hours before departure and another five days before. Participants were retested upon arrival. Over 5,000 PCR tests were submitted prior to travel and over 4,000 PCR tests were organized on site.
“In the Continental Cup qualifiers, FIBA was able to build on its past experience by successfully hosting FIBA 3 × 3 World Tour 2020 bubble events, Basketball Champions League qualifiers and of Final 8, as well as the recently concluded 2021 Women’s EuroBasket qualifiers. ”
The November window was broadcast by 53 broadcasters in 166 territories and around the world on livebasketball.tv.
The third and final window of the FIBA Continental Cup qualifiers, which will be played in February 2021, will also be organized in bubbles to ensure the health and safety of all participants.
Opening photo: Pau Sports Palace. All photos: FIBA
