Netherlands will not host their World Cup Qualifiers match against Russia / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Following a match against Russia's national team yesterday, the Netherlands Basketball Federation has decided not to host the second match against the Russians. According to the official statement released earlier today, Russia's invasion of Ukraine was the deciding factor.

"Considering all aspects, whereby the moral compass, the safety and well-being of players, staff, and the public are paramount, the board of the NBB cannot do otherwise than to cancel the game on Sunday in Almere," the official statement for the federation announced.

"This is partly in view of the reactions in the Netherlands, the demonstrations, and the social unrest," the federation continues. "It is also impossible to let the 3x3 teams that would play in Russia next week travel."

The Dutch national team was already in Russia when the invasion, and subsequently the war, started. The team was prepared to play versus Russia and ultimately decided to do so, after carefully considering all available options to safeguard the players and members of the coaching staff.

"The Dutch Basketball Association is proud of how the players and staff have dealt with this. Not only with the situation on-site and the way in which a competitive match was played, but also how very aggressive and sometimes ugly messages on social media were dealt with," the federation writes in its statement.

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