TOKYO – The governing body of basketball has suspended the Japan Basketball Association, a decision that will prevent the country's national team from taking part in the Olympics and other international competitions.
FIBA says the suspension results from the JBA's failure to merge the 22-team Basketball Japan League and the 13-team National Basketball League, which is in violation of its general statutes.
The ban is especially damaging for the women's team, which was in good position to qualify for the 2016 Olympics after winning its first Asian Championship title in 43 years last year.
JBA president Yasuhiko Fukatsu announced his resignation last month, saying it will be difficult for the national body to come to a conclusion on a merger between the two leagues.
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