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[루키=이동환 기자] It’s a mess.
On the 13th (hereinafter Korean time), CNN Philippines reported that the 2021 Asian Cup qualifier window 3 venue was changed back to the Philippines.
This is already the second change. Initially, the Asian Cup qualifying window 3 schedule was scheduled to be held in Clark, Philippines. However, as the number of corona19 confirmed in the Philippines increased rapidly, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) hastily changed its venue to Doha, Qatar. Accordingly, the national team was scheduled to depart for Doha by plane on the morning of the 13th after convening on the 12th to play the Asian Cup qualifiers.
However, the situation suddenly changed on the dawn of the 12th, the day of the national team convocation. As the number of corona19 confirmed in Qatar surged, Qatar health authorities issued an administrative order not to hold any sporting event regardless of sport. After that, FIBA reselected the Philippines as the venue for the Group A and Group C qualifiers after discussion.
Although the venue was found again, the qualifying schedule is expected to be different. Initially, the Asian Cup Windows 3 qualifier was scheduled to be held from the 18th to the 22nd. However, as the venue suddenly changed back to the Philippines, the schedule also became inevitable. It is known that the Philippines needs additional time to prepare for the re-opening of the Asian Cup qualifier Windows 3. Therefore, it is not possible to meet the Windows 3 schedule as originally scheduled.
Accordingly, the situation of the 10 KBL clubs is expected to flow in an unpredictable direction. As originally planned, each club had to fill the gap of one player selected for the national team about two weeks after the break. However, if the Asian Cup qualifying window 3 schedule is ambiguously delayed, there may be situations where each team will have to endure the gap of the national team’s pick-up player for a month.
FIBA’s compelling competition without considering the corona pandemic is making it difficult for many.
Photo = courtesy of the Korea Basketball Association
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