due to lack of security, Australia will not go to Iran

The Australian Basketball Federation will not send its national men’s team to play a match in Iran on Tuesday, a qualifier for the 2023 World Cup, because it considers that its security is not sufficiently assured, it announced on Saturday.

«After thoroughly assessing with the relevant authorities the risks involved, Basketball Australia has decided not to send any teams to Iran at this time.“, writes the Australian Federation in a press release.

The Boomers, already assured of their qualification for the World Cup by crushing Kazakhstan (97-50) Friday in Group B, were to go directly to Iran from Astana, to meet the Iranians there Tuesday in Tehran, in a match now without issue.

Honestly, we’re glad we’re not going to play in Iran, with the chaos there and the protests going on.

Dejan Vasiljevic, Australian player

According to the Australian government,protest movements continue across the country” and there is “an increase in the number of foreigners arrested». «Do not travel to Iran as the security situation remains unstable and there is a high risk that you will be detained or arbitrarily arrested“, he advises.

«Honestly, we’re glad we’re not going to play in Iran, with the chaos there and the protests going on.“, reacted from Kazhakstan Dejan Vasiljevic, one of the basic players of the Australian team, in the columns of the Melbourne Herald Sun.

Australia, one of the leading nations in men’s basketball, has participated in twelve of the thirteen World Cups. The co-organization of the 2023 edition (August 25-September 10) has been entrusted to the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.

Iran has been shaken for eight weeks by a popular protest triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini. The 22-year-old Iranian Kurd died on September 16, three days after she was arrested by vice police who accused her of breaking the strict dress code requiring women to wear the veil in public.