FIBA Asia Regional Office evaluation and educational staff arrived in Doha to inspect facilities and confer with officials of Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF), and assess the readiness of Qatar to host the FIBA World Cup 2019 qualifying matches.
The site evaluation visit was conducted by Sport and Competitions Manager Marc Missirian, while the educational workshops were presented by Communications Coordinator Hovsep Seraydarian and Data, Stats and Eligibility-Assistant Manager Maarouf Mawloud.
QBF Secretary General Ali Malki welcomed the FIBA Asia trio.
It’s great to have the FIBA representatives in Doha. With the federation preparing to host the qualifiers, it’s vital that we are up to date on FIBA rules and regulations. It’s also imperative to have our playing facilities evaluated and approved prior the tournament.’
Talking about the FIBA brand, Missirian said that it’s important not only to deliver quality games but to do so at a standard where the global community and stakeholders are satisfied.
We visit host nations to help them better meet and prepare for the high standards of the FIBA event. We also reinforce the federation’s obligations and responsibilities.’
On the preferred stadium, Missirian said that both stadiums comply with the requirements of FIBA, but that Al Attiya gives a different experience, as it presents a higher international standard and appeal. QBF Communications coordinator Samuel Rico said that FIBA’s visit to Doha is a standard routine.
FIBA has set specific parameters as requirements to host qualifying matches and it’s important that our venues meet the criteria.’
Qatar is in group D of the FIBA World Cup 2019 qualifiers along with Iraq, Kazakhstan and Iran. Qatar is scheduled to play three matches at home and three abroad. The first home match will be played later this year against Kazakhstan – 24 November. This will be followed by three games outside of the home court, before the team returns home to meet Iran and Iraq.
Visit qatarbasketball.qa for more information about Qatar’s participation to the FIBA World Cup 2019 qualifying matches.