Mexican basketball, National Olympic Committee and Government officials met with FIBA representatives at the House of Basketball ©FIBA

Sporting and political authorities from Mexico have met with representatives from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in order to discuss what changes must be made to control the sport in the country.

The Mexican Basketball Federation (ADEMEBA) was suspended in November due to not being recognised by the National Commission of Physical Culture and Sports (CONADE).

it came in the midst of a wider dispute between CONADE head Alfredo Castillo and other governing bodies late last year over the independence of sport in Mexico.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) autonomy tsar Patrick Hickey had told insidethegames that the country risked not competing at Rio 2016 if it was not resolved.

Improvements were made last month following a series of meetings and the suspension was lifted in January.

Problems do still remain with the running of basketball, however, and the meeting at the House of Basketball close to Geneva billed as a way to address these problems.

ADEMEBA President Modesto Robledo and former Mexican Olympic Committee (COM) head Felipe Munoz were present, along with CONADE head Alfredo Castillo and FIBA secretary general Patrick Baumann.

Mexico had been suspended from FIBA in November due to problems with the running of the sport ©FIBA
Mexico had been suspended from FIBA in November due to problems with the running of the sport ©FIBA

Representatives from all four bodies officially signed an agreement announcing the implementation of a task force during the meting.

They will be joined by other personalities who will "bring their expertise and experience as well as their impartiality in order to implement the reforms needed", a statement explained.

This should result in the holding of new democratic elections and putting in place a more "representative, modern and efficient" organisation.  

All participants reiterated the need for the basketball family in Mexico to be unified by having a strong national governing body that stands for all of the stakeholders including players, coaches, official, clubs, leagues, provincial associations.

It must also be capable of governing the sport.

Mexico's men are now set to compete in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Turin in July, where they will be up against Greece, Iran, Italy, Croatia and Tunisia.

Only the winner will secure a spot at Rio 2016.