FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Possibly Moving to China? Basketball Association Denies Report

(Central News Agency reporter Chen Jung-chen, Taipei, 15th) Media reported that the first round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, featuring Taiwan's men's basketball team against China on July 6th, would be moved to Shenyang, China. In response, the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association issued a statement denying this as untrue, emphasizing that the game location has not yet been finalized but will be in a third country.

In the preliminary stage of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Taiwan is grouped with Japan, China, and South Korea. According to the format, each team will play one home game and one away game, with the top three teams from the group advancing to the next stage.

Taiwan's men's basketball team was originally scheduled to host China on March 1st, but FIBA moved the game to Manila, Philippines, citing the current geopolitical background. Unexpectedly, media reported today that FIBA might move Taiwan's away game against China on July 6th to Shenyang, China.

In response, the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association issued a statement calling it "not true" and revealed that after the game between Taiwan and China was moved to Manila, Philippines, FIBA had already stated that China's home game on July 6th would also be moved to a third country. At the same time, the Basketball Association has maintained close communication with FIBA. Although the game location has not yet been finalized in writing, it is still planned to be held in a third country. "The media report about a possible move to China should be a misunderstanding."

The Basketball Association pointed out that even though the FIBA official website still shows the game location as China, it is only because the third country (South Korea) has not yet proposed a specific game city and venue. Once proposed, FIBA will formally notify in writing and update the official website simultaneously. The association emphasized that it will prevent any possible harm to Taiwan's interests or any unfairness and will actively strive for all rights and interests.

Sports Minister Lee Yang, when interviewed by the media, mentioned that he had grasped the situation immediately and had asked the Basketball Association to send a letter to FIBA. "As an athlete myself, I hope China will not be afraid of us, and under equal conditions, let competition remain competition." (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150415

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