Manila, Philippines, August 24, 2023: Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani of Qatar has been elected as the new President of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
The 22nd FIBA Congress which met at Manila, Philippines on Wednesday, August 23, unanimously elected Sheikh Al Thani for the period of 2023-2027. He will succeed Hamane Niang of Mali.
Sheikh Al Thani has served as FIBA Asia President since 2002, having formerly been President of the Qatar Basketball Federation and a Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee.
Soon after being elected, Sheikh Al Thani said: “It is a great honour to take over this responsibility: for me, for my country of Qatar, and for our continent of Asia. I now represent the interests of all 212 National Federations across all five Regions.
“Basketball is a global sport and this is our most important strength. I can only make one promise today and that is that I will work hard with the leaders of FIBA and the entire Central Board for the good of basketball and for the good of FIBA.”
The FIBA Congress also appointed a new Central Board for the new cycle. Representing Asia on the Board are Yao Ming (China) and Ms. Yuko Mitsuya (Japan).
The new Central Board will meet for the first time on September 9 in Manila, during the finals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.