In light of the security situation, the participation of the Israel U-19 team at the World Championship in less than two weeks is in danger. On Tuesday, the Chairman of the Basketball Association Amos Frishman appealed to the Minister of Culture and Sports, Miki Zohar, to intervene and help the team be able to fly to the championship in Switzerland.
In his letter, Frishman noted that “the World Championship is FIBA’s most senior competition at the youth level. For many months, the Basketball Association has worked on a professional and organizational plan for the team’s success at this historic and exciting competition.
I am appealing to you to take every possible action to ensure the team’s participation at the World Championship. I am confident that, as you have contributed in the past to the success of Israeli sports and basketball, you will act in the same way now so that the State of Israel and the Basketball Association are represented on the international stage at the World Championship.”
Frishman held a Zoom call with FIBA Chairman Andreas Zagklis on Tuesday regarding the team’s participation at the World Championship. FIBA requested clarification regarding the team’s situation and clarified that the Basketball Association is obligated to announce by tomorrow, Wednesday how the team intends to arrive in Switzerland. If no answer is given, FIBA said that they will examine how to act due to the current situation.
In recent days, the heads of the Basketball Association have been in regular contact with representatives of the Home Front Command and the IDF in order to allow the team to train. In addition, several options were examined for training camps in the periphery, as well as training in various formats that would comply with the guidelines. All attempts were rejected by representatives of the Home Front Command.
As a reminder, the Israel qualified for the World Cup last summer and is expected to open the competition on June 28th against host Switzerland. The team is also scheduled to play against Jordan and the Dominican Republic.
What about the women’s world cup?
The tourney is supposed to begin on July 12, the men’s in June 28 so there is still time for them. I am sure the the U19 men’s team will fly to Switzerland.