The Russian basketball federation posted a letter on its website saying it’s been suspended by FIBA due to its management issues, which could impact its Rio 2016 Olympic qualification hopes.
The letter, signed by FIBA officials, said Russia can attempt to have its ban lifted at a FIBA meeting Aug. 8-9.
That is crucial, given the European Olympic men’s basketball qualifying tournament is in September. The Russian women’s team has already been eliminated from Olympic qualifying.
The Russian men’s team won bronze at the London 2012 Games, led by 2004 NBA All-Star Andrei Kirilenko and coached by David Blatt, who now coaches the Cleveland Cavaliers.