PRESS RELEASES

FIBA Europe has expressed its deep concern about the recent developments in Lithuania, with the reported arrest and detention of Lithuanian Basketball Federation (LBF) Secretary General Mindaugas Balciunas on suspicion of embezzlement of public funds.

In a letter to the LBF, FIBA Europe made it clear that it is especially concerned as, according to media reports, the case made by the prosecutors is related to FIBA Europe's most successful event to-date, EuroBasket 2011.

It is clear that the image of basketball, the Lithuanian Basketball Federation as well as FIBA Europe is in danger of being damaged regardless of the outcome of the case.

FIBA Europe is especially concerned that the sport will be hit hard in Lithuania which is the definition of a basketball country.

FIBA Europe will keep monitoring events and is awaiting a report from the LBF.

As more details come through, FIBA Europe will be able to offer a more comprehensive reaction.