FIBA informed the Slovenian Basketball Association in a letter late on Friday that no Slovenian team can take part in any competitions organised by FIBA Europe, including Eurobasket qualifications.

Similar bans were also issued to basketball associations in other countries of the former Yugoslavia, as well as Spain, Greece, Italy, Israel, Turkey, Lithuania, Russia and Poland, allegedly due to their participation in Aba league.

The countries have until 20 April to challenge the decision.

The move is interpreted as FIBA's attempt to force basketball associations into participating in champions league FIBA is planning to launch next year, while many clubs would prefer to stay and play in the existing Euroleague.