Latest news with #JorgeGarbajosa
Irish Independent
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Bernard O'Byrne calls for ‘immediate total suspension of Israel' from all European basketball competitions
In a letter to Jorge Garbajosa, seen by the Irish Independent, O'Byrne has requested that for 'FIBA Europe Board consider the immediate total suspension of Israel Basketball from all Fiba Europe participation until further notice in view of the genocidal actions of the Israeli state in Gaza as documented extensively by the United Nations and many other trusted international organisations and individuals.' O'Byrne is currently a member of the 25-person Fiba (International Basketball Federation) Europe board. His involvement comes after Basketball Ireland last week issued a statement expressing strong concerns over the ongoing crisis in Gaza, adding that it was considering withdrawing from the Fiba Women's EuroBasket 2027 qualifiers after being drawn in a group against Israel. 'The time has come for the Board of FIBA Europe to have a full and open discussion on the future participation of Israel Basketball in our competitions,' it says in O'Byrne's correspondence, dated July 30. 'The Board has been repeatedly told that the matter is under continuous review and that we are obliged to follow the lead of FIBA and indeed the International Olympic Committee. 'The result is that we as a governing body with a major public platform have effectively closed our eyes and passed the responsibility to others.' According to rule, should Ireland fail to participate in their first away qualifier against Israel, they could be subject to fines of up to €80,000. Failure to take part in their return fixture against Israel would summon a fine of up to €100,000 and removal from the Fiba Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers and the Fiba Women's EuroBasket 2029 Qualifiers. In his letter, O'Byrne clarifies that his views 'do not necessarily represent the views of my nominating federation', (Basketball Ireland), and that they were not consulted in advance of writing. 'This request is not to be construed as anti-Jew or antisemitic in any way,' he writes. 'This is a humanitarian issue for us all and we should not look away. We must ignore the niceties of sporting politics and deference to powerful people or organisations who threaten us.' O'Byrne, CEO of the FAI between 1996 and 2001, retired as CEO of Basketball Ireland in 2021. His stepping down was reported as a 'joint decision' between O'Byrne and Basketball Ireland, coming in the wake of a controversial social media post, which he said was an 'extremely ill-judged attempt at humour' and for which he apologised at the time. Basketball Ireland are understood to be currently considering their options with regard to the game with Israel, scheduled for November 18.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Real Madrid's iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium to break attendance record in different sport as it hosts major event
REAL MADRID'S Santiago Bernabeu stadium is set to host the EuroBasket opener in 2029. EuroBasket is Europe 's largest international basketball competition. 3 3 Spain are among the continent's most successful basketball nations and are the reigning EuroBasket champions. World basketball governing body Fiba has announced that Spain are among four countries to host the 2029 edition. Madrid 's 80,000-seater Bernabeu is set to host the opening game of the tournament, likely to be Spain against a leading contender. The curtain-raiser could set a new Fiba attendance record, with the largest attendance currently standing at 38,115, set at Philippine Arena two years ago. Real Madrid's iconic home has undergone substantial renovations in recent years - now featuring a retractable roof and huge LED screens. In addition to the curtain raiser, final phase games are also set to take place in Spain. Other games in Madrid are to be held at the 16,000-seater Movistar Arena. In addition to the Spanish capital - Athens, Tallinn and Ljubljana will also host games. Fiba Europe president Jorge Garbajosa said: "We are excited to bring FIBA EuroBasket 2029 to some of Europe's prime basketball destinations, each with a strong basketball culture and a clear commitment to delivering an outstanding event. "We look forward to working closely with the host countries to ensure a successful and memorable tournament for teams, fans, and partners alike." Fiba chief Kamil Novak added: "The interest our National Federations have shown in organising this event speaks to the growing profile and prestige of Fiba EuroBasket. "We thank all the bidders for their outstanding proposals and extend our best wishes to the four hosts as they begin their journey toward delivering a fantastic tournament." This summer's EuroBasket is set to take place in Cyprus, Finland, Latvia, and Poland. The tournament will run between August 27 and September 14 - and could feature the likes of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic. 3
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Real Madrid's iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium to break attendance record in different sport as it hosts major event
REAL MADRID'S Santiago Bernabeu stadium is set to host the EuroBasket opener in 2029. EuroBasket is Europe's largest international basketball competition. 3 Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium features a retractable roof Credit: Getty 3 Spain are the reigning EuroBasket champions Credit: AFP Spain are among the continent's most successful basketball nations and are the reigning EuroBasket champions. World basketball governing body Fiba has announced that Spain are among four countries to host the 2029 edition. Madrid's 80,000-seater Bernabeu is set to host the opening game of the tournament, likely to be Spain against a leading contender. The curtain-raiser could set a new Fiba attendance record, with the largest attendance currently standing at 38,115, set at Philippine Arena two years ago. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Real Madrid's iconic home has undergone substantial renovations in recent years - now featuring a retractable roof and huge LED screens. In addition to the curtain raiser, final phase games are also set to take place in Spain. Other games in Madrid are to be held at the 16,000-seater Movistar Arena. In addition to the Spanish capital - Athens, Tallinn and Ljubljana will also host games. Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Fiba Europe president Jorge Garbajosa said: "We are excited to bring FIBA EuroBasket 2029 to some of Europe's prime basketball destinations, each with a strong basketball culture and a clear commitment to delivering an outstanding event. "We look forward to working closely with the host countries to ensure a successful and memorable tournament for teams, fans, and partners alike." Charles Barkley forced off air as he's abruptly cut midway through speech Fiba chief Kamil Novak added: "The interest our National Federations have shown in organising this event speaks to the growing profile and prestige of Fiba EuroBasket. "We thank all the bidders for their outstanding proposals and extend our best wishes to the four hosts as they begin their journey toward delivering a fantastic tournament." This summer's EuroBasket is set to take place in Cyprus, Finland, Latvia, and Poland. The tournament will run between August 27 and September 14 - and could feature the likes of Nikola Jokic, 3 EuroBasket is set to take place this summer between August and September Credit: FIBA
