FIBA to have ‘bubble’ for Asia Cup qualifiers

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) will have a bubble for the remainder of its continental cup qualifiers to ensure the safety of players amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

One host city will be designated by FIBA for the bubble.

The games inside the bubble will be done in accordance with FIBA health protocols and will also be done with full agreement with the host city’s main public health authority.

“All the games of both windows should be conducted in ‘bubbles,’ instead of home and away games, with the agreement of the host public health authorities and in compliance with FIBA health protocols,” FIBA said in a statement.

One bubble will converge one qualifying group. Gilas Pilipinas Men, Indonesia, Thailand, and South Korea will make up Group A of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.

FIBA also mentioned the possibility of having 2 qualifying groups per bubble.

Gilas Men will face South Korea first on Nov. 27 in a battle pitting unbeaten teams and heavy favorites to top Group A before the scheduled Gilas Men-Thailand rematch on Nov. 30, a match originally scheduled on Feb. 20 at the Araneta Coliseum due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Asia at that time. (GFB)