FIBA has lifted Mexico's suspension ahead of the Rio 2016 Qualifying Tournament ©FIBA

Mexico's suspension from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has been lifted at an Executive Committee meeting in Mies today, insidethegames has been told, meaning the country will be free to compete at July's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

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

This 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, with International Olympic Committee (IOC) autonomy tsar Patrick Hickey telling 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, however, and there now appears no chance of the nation missing the Olympics. 

FIBA, who are believed to have been liaising with the IOC over the issue, have now followed suit.

"I can confirm that the Executive Committee has lifted the suspension," a spokesperson told insidethegames this evening.

This means Mexico is free to compete in the qualifying tournament, with the three co-hosts of Turin in Italy, Pasay in Philippines and Serbian capital Belgrade having also been unveiled today.

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

The French city of Nantes will stage the sole women's qualifying tournament after beating off opposition from Spain.

Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Iran, Israel, Mexico and Turkey had each also expressed interest in hosting the men's qualifier.

A total of 18 men's teams will be split into three groups of six, with each group taking place in a different one of the three host cities.

The country that wins each of the three groups will directly qualify for the 12-team men's tournament at Rio 2016, to join the nine teams to have already secured a place.

As well as the three host nations, others still hoping to qualify are France, Greece, Czech Republic, Latvia, Croatia, Turkey, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Angola, Tunisia, Senegal, Iran, Japan and New Zealand.

A draw is due to take place on January 26, with action due to take place in all three groups from July 4 to 10.

There is just one qualifier on the women's side, meanwhile, with five qualification spots up for grabs in a 12-team event due to take place from June 13 to 19.

France were beaten by United States in the London 2012 basketball final ©AFP/Getty Images
France were beaten by United States in the London 2012 basketball final ©AFP/Getty Images

London 2012 silver medallists France will be joined by Argentina, Belarus, Cameroon, China, Cuba, South Korea, New Zealand, Nigeria, Spain, Turkey and Venezuela.

The successful five teams will join already-qualified defending champions United States, as well as Serbia, hosts Brazil, Canada, London 2012 bronze medal winners Australia, Japan and Senegal.

Reigning champions United States and beaten finalists Spain have already gained a men's spot, along with Brazil, Australia, Nigeria, Venezuela, Argentina, Spain, Lithuania and China.

London 2012 bronze medallists Russia did not secure a place in the qualifying tournament so stand no chance of competing.