The International Basketball Federation has announced the appointment of His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani and Mr. Mohammed Saad Al-Maghsoob, President of the Qatari Basketball Federation, to the Board of Directors of the FIBA Foundation for the period 2023-2027. The International Federation noted that this appointment is in recognition of their tangible efforts in the global development of basketball, as well as their administrative expertise in the sport and their significant contributions to the enhancement of basketball through support for clubs and national teams. It also highlights their major role in hosting Qatar's bid for the 2027 World Cup for the first time in the Middle East.
The appointment of His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani and Mr. Mohammed Saad Al-Maghsoob to one of the highest sports bodies in basketball reflects the trust that Qatari competencies enjoy from various international organizations, including the International Basketball Federation. Additionally, it underscores the significant successes Qatar has achieved in hosting numerous basketball tournaments and the considerable development the sport has undergone in the country recently, which has led the Qatari Basketball Federation to rank third in development.
It is worth noting that the FIBA Foundation includes a selection of elite personnel and experts in the field to promote basketball at all levels. The Board of Directors of the International Basketball Federation achieved an important milestone by appointing three women to the board for the first time, including FIBA member Michelle Timms and Predrag Stojaković, a World Cup-winning player. Additionally, His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani was elected as the President of the International Basketball Federation for the term from 2023 to 2027, succeeding Mali's Hamane Niang, during a recent General Assembly meeting of the Federation.
