Australian NT refuses to travel to Iran, FIBA to issue a fine / News - Basketnews.com

The Australian national team released a statement refusing to travel to Iran to due an unsafe environment within the country. The game against Iran is set to be marked as forfeit, and Australia is probably going to receive a fine from FIBA.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

After comfortably beating Kazakhstan on Friday, the Australian national team guaranteed itself a spot in the 2023 FIBA World Cup next year.

The squad was supposed to travel to Iran for the second match of the Qualifiers window. However, the country's basketball federation released an official statement stating the roster's refusal to undergo the trip.

"Basketball Australia have conducted a thorough risk assessment in conjunction with relevant authorities and as a result we will not be sending any team into Iran at this time," the statement reads.

FIBA has confirmed that the action will be registered as a forfeit against Australia with the federation possibly receiving a fine on top of it.

The Australian government has warned its citizens of the potential for terrorist attacks, bombings, and shootings in Iran. Additionally, the country's Department of Foreign Affairs has also issued a warning that medical evacuation may be difficult and consular support is limited.

"Honestly, we are happy not playing Iran in Iran, just with all the chaos and protests going on," Australia's shooting guard Dejan Vasiljevic told The Herald Sun. "As much as we all wanted to play another game for our country, there was no security and assurance for us, so BA made the right choice."

Previously, Australia refused to send its men's U18 team to the U18 Asia Cup in Iran. Subsequently, FIBA has confirmed that Australia will not participate in the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup.

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