There will no further delays in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifier’s first window, as Gilas Pilipinas’ meeting versus Southeast Asian rival Indonesia on February 23 will proceed as scheduled.
This, after FIBA ordered Indonesia Basketball Association to proceed with its hosting of the Qualifiers later this week, where it will also take on continental powerhouse South Korea on Thursday, February 20.
FIBA made the announcement in a letter addressed to the IBA dated February 17, a copy of which was obtained by Tiebreaker Times.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports had sought to postpone the games due to the current novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak until further confirmation regarding health security from the Ministry of Health.
FIBA, though, noted that the letter from the Ministry of Health focuses mainly on travel to and from the Mainland of China, which is not in consideration with respect to teams traveling from South Korea and the Philippines.
“Indeed, as noted in the letter, there is no travel warning or ban on citizens or persons traveling from South Korea or the Philippines at this time.
“Moreover, Indonesia has no reported cases of COVID-19,” part of the letter read.
FIBA also wrote that “The Indonesian government has not taken any action to ban mass gatherings generally. In addition, FIBA is aware that other international events, including sporting events, are planned to take place in Indonesia in the coming weeks.”
The world’s governing body for the sport has also reminded that the IBA is obliged as a national member federation to participate in international activities and competitions. Otherwise, a considerable disciplinary fine awaits them.
With this development, the Filipino dribblers can now put all their focus on preparing for Sunday’s game. The final lineup that head coach Mark Dickel will use versus the Indonesians is expected to be named in the next days.
Gilas’ schedule for the Qualifiers’ first window had lightened following the postponement of its match against another Southeast Asian contender in Thailand, originally set on the 20th at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
FIBA has postponed a total of three Asia Cup Qualifiers matches due to the COVID-19 scare, including the Japan-China and Chinese Taipei-Malaysia showdowns. The new dates of the said games have yet to be announced.
