Finland could replace Ukraine as Eurobasket 2015 hosts

Finland’s basketball association is considering taking advantage of the popularity of its men’s team and putting in a bid to host next year’s European Championships if Ukraine has to pull out.

With the likelihood Ukraine will have to give up hosting the basketball European Championships next year because of the current political problems increasing by the week, Finland is believed to be considering stepping in, although only if it can find a country to co-host the event with.

Fiba, the international basketball association, has denied reports that Ukraine is close to withdrawing from hosting the event because of the political and economic crisis it is currently faced with. But the organisation will be discussing the situation at an upcoming meeting in Munich.

Vesa Wallden, the managing director of the Finnish Basketball Association, said they are currently considering whether offering to co-host the championships is an option, but insisted nothing was final. He explained that after a final decision on whether Ukraine will continue as hosts, they will make a decision.

Walden went on to say that they would also need to clarify hosting requirements with Fiba, particularly regarding arenas, accommodation and transportation.

Finland’s men’s basketball team, who have been dubbed the “wolf pack”, have become extremely popular in their homeland in recent years after a string of good performances. They have performed well in the past two European Championships and have been awarded a wildcard spot in the World Championships in Spain later this year.