FIBA President Horacio Muratore talked to the official website of the World Federation and praised the current qualifying system.
Here is what the experienced executive said:
On the FIBA WC Qualifiers: “Before launching the system, we were the only team sport that didn’t have national team activity throughout the year. Virtually all successful team sports have had it one way or another except for us. Football has it. Volleyball has it. Handball has it. Ice hockey has it. Players travel all over the world.”
On whether this system has been successful: “When we see the packed venues and witness the joy (of the fans, teams, players) at games of the Qualifiers throughout the world and when we listen to comments about playing at home from current players – as well as retired players – and how they never had that possibility before to play in front of their home crowd.
It all points to the fact that we have achieved what we set out to do. Our model has been successful and will continue to be so.”
