Governing body FIBA has lifted the ban on Russia, allowing the country to compete in next month's European championship and other international tournaments, the Russian Basketball Federation (RFB) said Sunday.
"Today, during a session in Tokyo, FIBA made the decision to allow Russian national teams to compete in international tournaments," the RFB said on its website.
"This means that Russia will be able to compete in the European Basketball Championships," the federation said.
FIBA disqualified the RFB on July 29 and suspended the country's national teams from playing in international tournaments, including the European Championship which doubles as a qualifying competition for next year's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
"Russian national teams will be able to take part in all FIBA's tournaments, however sanctions in relation to members of the RFB will still remain in place," the Russian Deputy Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov told the R-Sport agency.
FIBA cited government interference in the running of Russian basketball's governing body as the reason for slapping it with a ban.
Yulia Anikeyeva was elected the RFB's president in August 2013, but the results of the vote were later contested and a court told the federation to hold new elections.
These are due to take place on Aug. 25 and former NBA player Andrei Kirilenko is set to stand as a candidate.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.