Representatives of the Olympic Games organizing committee and the international basketball federation visited the Pierre-Mauroy stadium on Thursday, where the preliminary round of the basketball tournament is to be held. But as we announced, it was a simple visit and there has still not been a final agreement established after this inspection of the premises.
Several subjects, linked in particular to the air conditioning of the stadium in basketball configuration, had sparked discussions within Fiba which had given in December, “subject to reservations”, the green light for the organization of the group stages in Lille. In a press release published in early December 2022, the world basketball body recalled that it was awaiting confirmation that its “requirements will be met, in particular those relating to the health and safety of players”.
“We can see the light at the end of the tunnel”
This Thursday, the various parties nevertheless displayed their optimism in front of the press. “Basketball and handball will be played in Lille in 2024,” said the president of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games organizing committee, Tony Estanguet. We still have a certain amount of work to do together with the international federations, with the local players, to make these two great moments great successes. Everything is not yet resolved but we are very confident in our ability to answer all questions in the coming months. »
At his side, the secretary general of Fiba, Andreas Zagklis also said he was “confident”. “We want to come here on the condition that these matters are resolved. Paris 2024 has made a lot of progress in recent months and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. »