"We Will Take Action On Nigeria Basketball Situation November 18 If...." - FIBA Threatens

 

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"We Will Take Action On Nigeria Basketball Situation November 18 If...." - FIBA Threatens

 

By Niyi Busari The world basketball governing body, FIBA has threatened to take a stiffer action on Nigeria basketball when the Central Board meets on November 18, BSN sports com.ng can report. This is contained in a letter dated November 10 and signed by FIBA president, Hamare Niang to the NBBF and copied the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC). According to the letter, the Ministry of Sports had on three occasions communicated with FIBA informing them of postponement of NBBF elections, organization of NBBF Premier League and making arrangements on preparing D'Tigers for the FIBA World Cup qualifier in November. FIBA said the actions taken by the Ministry of Sports are against Article 9.7 of its General Statute. It says FIBA will not recognize the outcome of the ongoing NBBF League aimed at providing champions that will represent Nigeria at the Basketball African League (BAL). It added that NBBF elections should be held on or before November 30, 2021. It reads in part, "On 20 October, 2021 FIBA received a letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development informing about the postponement of NBBF elections initially scheduled to take place in 30 October, 2021. On November 5, 2021 FIBA received a copy of communication from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development assuming the organizational responsibilities of the NBBF Premier League. It added, "As you're aware, under Article 9.7 of the FIBA General Statute, National Member Federation (NMF) must manage their affairs independently without the influence of third parties and ensure that their officials are elected or appointed under a democratic process . Also Article 9.1, NMF must maintain full control and governance of basketball in their country without limitation.   It continued, "Please, be advised that FIBA will not recognize any competition or result stem from an event not controlled by the NBBF.  Furthermore, our letter to the Ministry of Sports expects that the NBBF celebrates its Electoral Congress no later than November 30. The current situation will be brought to the attention of FIBA Central Board in its next meeting on November 18, 2021 to determine any other cause of action as per FIBA General Statute and Internal Regulations." Meanwhile, despite the letter sent on the 10, the NBBF Final 8 League commenced in Abuja on Friday two days later.