In connection with the decision of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to allow the U-21 3x3 teams of Russia and Belarus to return to the Nations League, the president of the Latvian Basketball Union (LBS) Raimonds Veyonis has withdrawn from the FIBA 3x3 commission, reports LBS.
The central governing body of FIBA, responding to the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to lift restrictions on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in youth competitions, granted an exceptional permission for the registration of U-21 teams from these countries to participate in the FIBA 3x3 Nations League competitions in Asia.
Today, Veyonis officially notified FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis that he has officially withdrawn from the FIBA 3x3 commission, protesting against the decision in essence and pointing out the violation of the democratic decision-making process.
"Since February 24, 2022, when the global sports community and international organizations strongly condemned the Russian invasion and banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in international competitions, many countries and organizations have gradually softened their stance on this issue. This is confirmed by the decision of the Central Council of FIBA," Veyonis stated.
One might reasonably ask: What did the former president of Latvia do for what he believes is the right decision? Or, in principle, does the opinion of a high-ranking official, and thus our state, interest anyone?
