EuroBasket 2011 to be played with 24 teams

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Via [url="http://www.talkbasket.net/news/eurobasket-2011-to-be-played-with-24-teams-3670.html"]TalkBasket[/url]

FIBA Europe announces that the FIBA Europe Executive Committee approved the proposal made by the Lithuanian Basketball Federation to play the EuroBasket 2011 Final Round with 24, instead of 16 teams.



The Executive Committee was backed in its decision by a majority of the FIBA Europe Board Members, who were also present at the meeting in Istanbul.



"The expansion is meant to follow the rapid development of European Basketball." Commented FIBA Europe Secretary General Nar Zanolin.



"Proof for this development can be found at the FIBA World Championship where 9 of the 10 participating European Teams advanced from the Preliminary Round to participate in the Eight-Finals."



FIBA Europe President Olafur Rafnsson added: "After it was clear that EuroBasket 2013 will be played with 24 teams we are now even more pleased that the expansion could be carried out two years earlier.



"European Basketball is stronger than ever and now the time has come to stay abreast of changes and, together with our Lithuanian friends, organise the biggest and best ever EuroBasket."



Source: www.fibaeurope.com