Spain have encountered more problems as they continue preparations for their opening match of the European Championships against hosts Sweden on Friday.

After the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) had to assure the team there would be no problems following the theft of the players’ registrations at Madrid airport on Tuesday, now all is not well on the court.

Spanish team officials were desperately trying ringing FIBA to confirm they were still in the competition at all after the bags of official Manuel Rubia and team doctor Jose Nogales were stolen near terminal two of Barajas airport.

As well as the player documents, money belonging to the Spanish federation also went missing, along with some personal effects of both officials. Police are continuing their investigations.

Given such drama, the Spanish party were no doubt delighted to be heading back onto the courts Wednesday.

But that joy was extremely short-lived and Spain have hit out at the Scaniarinken for being too hard and too cold during the maiden practice session there.

These incidents could unsettle a group of players considered by many to be well capable of claiming this title, especially on the evidence of their pre-tournament displays.

Nevertheless, their NBA star Pau Gasol remained upbeat at an afternoon press conference, though he was keeping his expectations firmly on the ground.

He said: “It`s something that I don`t want too much. We can have the euphoria after we have won something, not before.

“We need to concentrate on qualifying for the Olympics and reaching the quarter-finals. The team has no need to fear anybody.”