FIBA reveal bidding nations for men's and women's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments

FIBA have revealed the countries who have expressed an interest in hosting next year's men's and women's Olympic Qualifiying Tournaments ©FIBA

France and Spain are the two countries interested in hosting next year’s International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the sport’s governing body has revealed, with 10 nations in the running to stage the three men’s events.

The women’s competition is due to involve 12 teams battle it out for five Rio 2016 berths from June 13 until 19, with Argentina, Belarus, Cameroon, China, Cuba, France, Korea, New Zealand, Nigeria, Spain, Turkey and Venezuela all due to compete.

Each country qualified for the tournament through their respective Continental Championships this summer.

FIBA has announced that Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Iran, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Philippines, Serbia and Turkey have all expressed an interest in hosting one of the three men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, scheduled to be held over the course of six days between July 4 and 10.

The winners of each competition will secure their spot at the Olympic Games in the Brazilian city.

Germany, Israel and Turkey have not earned a spot in the qualifying tournament so their hopes for Rio 2016 will only stay alive if their bids are successful, on account of gaining a host nation berth in the tournament.

If any of the countries who have already qualified are chosen to host the competitions, the highest-placed teams who were not able to secure a spot at the Olympic Qualifiers will be asked to participate.

Brazil will compete in both men's and women's tournaments at Rio 2016 after resolving their dispute with FIBA — Brazil will compete in both men's and women's tournaments at Rio 2016 ©Getty Images

Countries have until a November 11 deadline to submit a candidature for the men’s and women’s tournaments, before FIBA will conduct an evaluation of all bids.

Nations who wish to stage the tournaments must meet five criteria laid down by world basketball’s governing body, including ensuring player welfare and, should they be chosen, their event must leave a legacy for the sport in the region.

They must also demonstrate they have state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, a “sound commercial model” and that they have the ability to put on a successful event for spectators, teams, media and broadcasters.

Several sides have already clinched their Rio 2016 spot, including hosts Brazil, whose participation at their home Olympics in both men’s and women’s events was confirmed by FIBA’s Central Board in August.

The men’s competition will also feature 2014 World Cup champions the United States, Australia, Nigeria, Venezuela, Argentina, Spain, Lithuania and China.

The United States, Serbia, Canada, Australia, Japan and Senegal are the nations who have qualified for the women’s tournament at Rio 2016.