Lebanon, not Philippines, to host FIBA Asia next year

FIBA Asia photo

Lebanon, and not the Philippines, will host the FIBA Asia Men’s Basketball Championship next year.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios disclosed the news to InterAKTV shortly after the FIBA Asia executive committee informed them that Lebanon was granted the hosting rights for the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifier.

“It’s Lebanon with the condition that they (FIBA Asia) will give it to the Philippines once the host cannot make it,” wrote Barrios in a text message.

Lebanon presented right after the Philippines made a formal presentation on Wednesday. Earlier, the Philippines were informed to wait for the decision on Thursday, but it appeared Lebanon’s representatives during the bidding were able to convince the committee right away.

Curiously, Hagop Khajirian, the FIBA Asia secretary general, is a Lebanese.

Only last month, Khajirian went to the Philippines to inspect the MOA Arena and told SBP officials he was impressed with the venue.

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