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The hosting of the FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in August is put in question as conflict in the Middle East continues
MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) are wondering whether the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup will push through in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, amid rising tension in the Middle East.
The hosting of the Asia Cup in Jeddah from August 5 to 17 has been put in question as Israel and Iran exchange attacks — a conflict that further escalated with US attacking Iran. US forces bombed three nuclear sites in Iran on Saturday, June 21, with US President Donald Trump warning of more attacks “if peace does not come quickly.”
“The big question in our mind right now, and we’re not making too big of a deal about it, but will we continue to play in Jeddah?” national team head coach Tim Cone told Power and Play With Noli Eala.
“With all of the things going on in the Middle East, whether they will change the venue or such, that is something we’re monitoring with FIBA as we speak.”
Neighboring Middle East countries Bahrain and Kuwait have made preparations for the possibility of the Israel-Iran conflicting spilling over to their territories.
Meanwhile, the Philippines has restricted the deployment of overseas Filipino workers with contracts in Iran, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon.
Cone said SBP executive director Erika Dy is in constant communication with FIBA regarding the staging of the Asia Cup.
“Lot of stuff going on in that area so we’re wondering if this is all going to push through, or maybe the venue will change somewhere in Asia,” said Cone.
Bunched in Group D, the Philippines faces New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, and Iraq, needing to finish at the top of the group for a direct entry to the quarterfinals.
Those who finish second and third in their groups will have to earn their quarterfinal berths through the crossover playoffs.
With naturalized star Justin Brownlee expected to reunite with the team soon, the Nationals begin their Asia Cup buildup on June 30, with a potential tuneup game against the Macau Black Bears in store. – Rappler.com
