7th of May, A day that is going to be remembered for each time Lebanon holds a cup in an international championship. The Lebanese national team for men –ranked 29 worldwide will be able to participate in all international basketball events again after being banned last year due to political interference in its federation; not forgetting all other Lebanese teams .
The Lebanese national –men team may have lost the chance of qualifying to the world cup tournament that will take place this summer in Spain, but will surely play with bigger insistence from now on. As the legend of the phoenix (a title given to Lebanon) players are going to play their hearts out so they remind us how they beat France back in 2006 while Lebanon was surviving a war; and most importantly reminding the world that with our fighting spirit we can do what you think is impossible.
Below is the letter sent from FIBA to the Lebanese federation’s president Mr Walid Nassar informing him that the suspension/ban is lifted; and the first international participation for the National team will be in WABA knowing that it might not be with class A players due to the fact that it is happening in conjunction with the toughest Lebanese basketball league ever.
“Dear Mr President,
We acknowledge with thanks receipt of the latest copy of your statutes as approved by your General Assembly.
After a thorough review of your statutes and following the discussions held during your visit to FIBA as well as the positive opinion granted by FIBA Asia, we are pleased to inform you that FIBA is now in a position to lift the suspension of the Lebanese Basketball Federation.
Your Federation is now reinstated with full rights and your teams and officials may take part in all FIBA competitions and activities.
We do hope that the events which caused the suspension of your Federation are behind us and that your federation is now fully equipped for tomorrow’s challenges.
We look forward to further working with you for the development of basketball in Lebanon and to seeing your national teams succeed on the international stage.
We of course remain at your disposal should you need any assistance from us.
Wishing you much success during your term as President, I remain
Yours Sincerely,
Patrick Bauman
Secretary General”
Long Live Lebanese Basketball.
حنان تـابت 