With the 2010 FIBA World Championship reaching the quarterfinal stage many are wondering who exactly qualifies and how for the 2012 Olympics in London. Here is a breakdown of the FIBA regulations.
One peculiar note of interest is that hosts Great Britain are not guaranteed a spot in either the men’s or women’s tournaments.
The winner of the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Men and Women both qualify automatically for the 12-team tournaments.
As it currently stands, here is the breakdown of the number of nations from the different FIBA zones who gain spots through their continental championship for the men’s tournament in London:
Africa 1
Americas 2
Asia 1
Europe 2
Oceania 1And the remaining four spots will come from the 12-team World Olympic Qualifying Tournament: The breakdown of which is: Africa 2, Americas 3, Asia 2, Europe 4, Oceania 1
The women’s Olympic tournament is broken down as follows:
Africa 1
Americas 1
Asia 1
Europe 1
Oceania 1
And the remaining six spots will come from the 12-team World Olympic Qualifying Tournament: The breakdown of which is: Africa 2, Americas 3, Asia 2, Europe 4, Oceania 1
The FIBA Central Board will decide at its spring session if Great Britain will be given automatic qualification as hosts.
Should the Board agree to give GB spots, Europe would have three men’s spots (instead of two) from the continental competition and there would be three teams (instead of four) coming from the Olympic Qualifying Tournament and Europe would have two women’s spots (instead of one) and there would be five teams (instead of six) coming from the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.