Lebanese basketball returns

by Peter Speetjens May 20, 2014

written by Peter Speetjens May 20, 2014

After nearly a year suspension, Lebanon's national team can now take part to all FIBA organized competitions

Update: Since we published the article online, Lebanon announced its withdrawal from this year’s WABA Championship because it would interfere with the final playoff games which are currently taking place. Nearly a year since its suspension due to political interference in Lebanon’s most popular game, the Lebanese Basketball Federation (LBF) was reinstated as a member of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in early May. As a result, Lebanon’s national team is set to re-enter the arena at the West Asian Basketball Championship in Jordan on May 23. “We acknowledge with thanks the latest copy of your statutes as approved by the general assembly … [and] we are pleased to inform you that FIBA is now in a position to lift the suspension of the LBF,” FIBA’s Secretary General Patrice Baumann wrote in a fax to LBF President Walid Nasser on May 7. “Your federation is now therefore reinstated with full rights

Peter Speetjens

Peter is a journalist currently based in São Paulo. After completing law studies in Rotterdam, he embarked on a journey to explore the world, spending a year in India before spending around 20 years in the Middle East and eventually relocating to Brazil. His work has appeared in both Dutch and English language media, including Trouw, De Groene, De Standaard, Hard Gras, NRC, The Blizzard, MO Magazine, Middle East Eye, and Mongabay. Fluent in five languages, he also enjoys photography and co-authored the documentary "2000 Terrorists," which was broadcast by Al Jazeera in 2004.

Lebanese basketball returns

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