Korea Basketball Association’s appeal to declare their non-appearance in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers’ Quezon City window has been rejected by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
According to a report by Korean outlet Jumpball, the KBA submitted all of the documentation of all of its players that tested positive for COVID-19.
“The association has made an effort to prevent this,” a KBA official who was not named told the publication. “We even cited ‘force majeure’ and sent an official letter. Too many players from the national team have been diagnosed with the virus, and there was another confirmed case after leaving the country.
“We submitted a lot of data, such as PCR test results, and suggested scheduling adjustments,” it continued.
“However, FIBA took the position that they understood Korea’s position, but rejected it according to the rules of the tournament.”
Last February 22, the KBA decided to not field a team for the competition after one of the Korean players tested positive for the virus while everyone was declared close contact.
Gilas still appeared on the court of the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Thursday from 6:00-6:15 PM to gain a 20-0 win.
The next day, the Tall Blacks also went through the formalities. By going through that, Korea forfeited its second straight game which ultimately disqualified them from the competition.
The KBA still deems that it was a good decision not to push through.
“I think it was the best choice not to send a team to the preliminary round,” the federation official opined. “There are things more important than the World Cup. Since the virus must be contained, all possible methods must be used.
“Other than the disqualification of the World Cup qualifiers, it is unknown what other sanctions may be imposed. We are preparing an official notice of the dismissal. Of course, it is true that it is not an easy situation in terms of international practice.”
If deemed disqualified, Korea will no longer have a chance to qualify for both the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Korea’s disqualification would also mean that the Tall Blacks (3-0), Gilas (1-1), and India (0-3) will advance to the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers.
