Iraqi Basketball Federation considers Syrian players as Iraqi citizens

20/08/2012 12:04

BAGHDAD, Aug. 20 (AKnews) - The secretary of the Iraqi Basketball Federation stated today that the federation decided to consider Syrian players who play with Iraqi clubs during the next season as Iraqi citizens.

Khaled Najm said the federation's decision came in sympathy with Syrian basketball players who suffer due to the unstable security situation in their country, which reflected negatively the condition of the sport there, including basketball.

He added that attracting players to play with the Iraqi clubs was welcomed by the representatives and the coaches of the clubs in line with the bonds of Arab brotherhood and the humanitarian situation and the circumstances that Syria is currently witnessing.

The federation put in place controls this season that allow the participation of only two professional players with each club during the coming season and allowing the replacement of the professional player twice during the first stage.

By Amir al-Daghistani

RN/DM/AKnews