VEN - FIBA Americas to evaluate Venezuela's bid

SAN JUAN (2007 FIBA Americas Championship) - The FIBA Americas executive committee will meet on Tuesday in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to evaluate the bid made by the Venezuelan Basketball Federation (FVB) to host the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship.

Venezuela were chosen on May 16 ahead of Chile to stage the tournament, which will provide two qualifiers for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

However, as they failed to come up with 1.5million dollars (£80,000) on August 31, FIBA Americas have decided to take matters out of Venezuela's hands.

Despite the formal announcement on September 1 of a second election to determine the host country, FIBA Americas general secretary Alberto Garcia has now said the executive committee will reconsider the FVB's explanation.

If the FVB, with Carmelo Cortez as president, do not satisfy the executive committee, or do not pay the money demanded, FIBA Americas will study the applications of Chile, the United States and Puerto Rico to host the competition.

FIBA Americas require the host country to meet certain requirements, including having government support, financial backing, infrastructure in stadia, plus TV, internet, hospitality and transport facilities.

PA Sport