A Latvian official resigned from FIBA’s 3×3 commission after the body approved U21 entries from Russia and Belarus. The move underscores Baltic opposition.
The president of the Latvian Basketball Union, Raimonds Vejonis, resigned from the FIBA 3×3 Basketball Commission, voicing protest against the organization’s decision to lift restrictions on the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in youth competitions.
On April 23, FIBA’s Central Council approved the registration of U-21 youth teams from Russia and Belarus to participate in the FIBA 3×3 Nations League. The tournament is scheduled to be held in China and Malaysia.
The statement noted that the decision is based on the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee to lift restrictions on the participation of athletes from the mentioned countries in youth competitions.
The next day, Raimonds Vejonis informed FIBA’s Secretary General Andreas Zagklis of his official resignation from the FIBA 3×3 Basketball Commission.
Reaction and Position of the Latvian Basketball Union
“In connection with the decision made on Thursday by FIBA’s Central Council regarding the participation of U-21 Russia and Belarus in the FIBA 3×3 Nations League, and considering that this matter was not reviewed by the appropriate commission, I have decided to resign from the FIBA 3×3 Basketball Commission.”
– Raimonds Vejonis
“As a result of joint actions by Latvia, other Baltic and Northern European countries, and our like-minded colleagues, the representatives of the aggressor countries have for the fifth consecutive year not participated in European basketball competitions. We will continue to work to defend these positions until the war in Ukraine ends with a decision endorsed by our allies.”
– Raimonds Vejonis
The Latvian Basketball Union continues to advocate for the exclusion of athletes from aggressor countries from international competitions and emphasizes that actions must be consistent and aligned with the decisions of our allies until the war in Ukraine ends.