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FIBA introduces new calendar of 2017-2021 cycle

Xinhua, October 2, 2015 Adjust font size:

FIBA released brand new calendar of 2017-2021 cycle as a start of the new FIBA competition system here on Friday.

The Asian Championship will be renamed as Asia Cup and be held every four years rather than two.

The new cycle will start in November, 2017 as 14 Asian teams and two Oceania teams participate in first round matches as four groups. All 16 teams will play regular home and away matches in November 2017, February and June 2018. Top three teams of each group will play the second round in two new groups in September, November 2018 and February 2019. Top three of each group and the best fourth team will be playing in 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

If China, the host of 2019 World Cup is among the seven teams, the eighth ranked team will automatically qualify for the 2019 World Cup.

Best classified Asian and Oceania teams will have direct access to 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games with other Asian teams among the top 16 of 2019 World Cup and other two selected teams playing in Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

The qualifications for 2021 Asian Cup will start in November, 2019 with top 16 teams from a total of 24 will have the access to 2021. Endi