By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@ YawMintYM on Twitter
Basketball’s world governing body FIBA has released a new competition system as part of ways to develop the game further following the Central Body’s first meeting earlier this year.
The new system which includes playing qualifiers on home and away basis has been highly praised by FIBA President Horacio Muratore; the system comes into effect in November this year. Speaking to FIBA.com, he said:
“The national team is the best product you can have in sport, so the New Competition System represents everything that will help basketball to grow all over the world.”
As part of the changes to be set in motion, FIBA will provide funds for TV production for the 2019 World Cup qualification games. Insurance cover for injuries as well as fees for officials and doping controls will also be taken care of by the body.
A National Federations Development, programs streamlined to improve local and regional basketball will be done by FIBA officials on special visits. 166 Member Federations have been visited thus far.
Qualifications to several competitions including AfroBasket 2017 will be played using the new home and away basis for qualification. AfroBasket takes place between August 19-30 in Brazzaville, Congo.
