Qatar to Replace PH as Host of Men’s Group in ACQ

After the Philippines begged off of being the host of Group A matches after the imposition of travel bans in the country amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Qatar will officially be the replacement host for the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers (ACQ) February window.

FIBA announced on Thursday Night that Doha, Qatar will be the host city of the games involving Gilas Pilipinas Men. Joining the Philippines in Group A are South Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand.

After the announcement of the hosting of games, Qatar will now host three groups in the FIBA ACQ. The country earlier agreed to be the host of the Group B bubble after Japan begged off officially due to restrictions imposed by the country due to the pandemic.

Qatar is now the host of Groups A,B, and E of the FIBA ACQ.

Travel bans imposed by the Philippine government as the new COVID-19 variant emerged made the country a less ideal host for the tournament as restrictions were slapped on South Korea, Australia, and Hong Kong–countries that belong to groups A, and C of the FIBA ACQ.

Matches for groups A, and C were supposed to take place at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center, in a “bubble” that is benchmarked to the system of the Philippine Basketball Association.

Gilas Men will play three games–two against South Korea with a game against Indonesia in between, in the third window of the FIBA ACQ. (GFB)