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This decision was motivated by the Federation of this country with the desire to save the money that would have been required for long trips.
The 19th-place winner of the 2019 World Cup had to compete with the Dominican Republic, Serbia, Puerto Rico, Italy and Senegal for the only ticket to the Tokyo Games.
According to the representatives of the federation, the players were consulted before deciding to withdraw, however, the main argument was the economic losses caused by the pandemic and the doubling of travel expenses for security measures.
“The Board has agreed to focus on our ability to meet our commitment to playing international tournaments in the future. We must also ensure that men’s and women’s teams have equal opportunities. Players and coaches realize that the pandemic has changed. the situation, everything has become more expensive. We cannot take risks, “said Iain Potter, director of the federation.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has confirmed that the Philippine national team will travel to Belgrade in place of the New Zealand basketball players.
The latter is ranked 31st in the FIBA ranking and immediately after the “Kiwis” (25th place) among the representatives of Asia-Oceania, in addition to China and South Korea, who have already been invited to the Olympic team.
FIBA warns that it could take further action in such a New Zealand management.
The Olympic qualifying tournament in Belgrade, as well as a similar competition in Kaunas, will take place from June 29 to July 4.
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