Russia basketball says it has been suspended by FIBA
The Russian basketball federation has been suspended by FIBA for management issues, according to a letter posted to the federation's website.
According to the letter, addressed to once-elected Russian basketball president Yulia Anikeeva, Russia basketball was suspended for its instability within management. Last month, a Russian court ordered the federation to hold new elections for every senior management position after two years of contested election results. Anikeeva's 2013 election was overturned by an earlier court.
The suspension could affect the Russia men's basketball team's chances of qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics. The women's team has already been eliminated from qualifying.
The letter indicates the Russian basketball federation can potentially have the ban lifted during FIBA meetings from Aug. 8-9. Olympic qualifying for European men's basketball teams will take place in September.
In 2012, the Russian men's basketball team won the bronze medal at the London Olympics.
- Rohan Nadkarni
