Fiba to inspect PH facilities for 2019 World Cup

Gilas’ Jean Marc Pingris against Hamed Haddadi. Photo by Dennis Sabangan, EPA.

MANILA – The International Basketball Federation (Fiba) will be visiting the country next week to inspect existing facilities for the Philippines’ bid to host the prestigious 2019 Fiba World Cup, said businessman Manny Pangilinan.

“Fiba Evaluation Commission – Inspection Team – coming next week to Manila. Good luck to us!” said Pangilinan on his official Twitter account.

Fiba Evaluation Commission, who is headed by Fiba secretary general Patrick Baumann, will look at the existing sports facilities that can be used for 2019 Fiba World Cup. This includes the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulanace, Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, and the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Other contenders for the hosting gig include China, Turkey, Qatar, and a joint bid by Germany and France.

The Philippines last hosted the Fiba Asia Championship in 2013, where the country won a silver medal after surrendering to Iran.

But the Philippines last hosted the Fiba World Cup way back in 1978.