Kirilenko: “We are happy with the IOC’s recommendations, but a number of approvals must still be made before the young men perform with the flag and anthem”

President of the Russian Basketball Federation, member of the central bureau of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Andrei Kirilenko, told Match TV that despite the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow Russian juniors to participate in international competitions, a number of approvals still need to be completed.

On Thursday, the IOC recommended that international federations not restrict the access of athletes from Russia and Belarus to youth competitions in both individual and team disciplines.

“Of course, we are very pleased with this recommendation, but we must go through a number of approvals before our young men come out with the flag and anthem. At the last meeting of the FIBA ​​central bureau, it was recommended to provide options for our teams to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games, since we have already missed all the qualifications. But this was again considered subject to clearance from the IOC. We are waiting for further actions and moves,” Kirilenko told Match TV.

In 2022, FIBA ​​suspended the national teams of Russia and Belarus from participating in competitions under the auspices of the organization.