TEHRAN - Iran’s basketball coach Veselin Matic hit out at FIBA officials over non-Asian players who have recently acquired new nationality in the Asia Championship in China.

Iran will take part in the 25th FIBA Asia Championship for men which will be held from August 6 to 16 in Tianjin City, China.
“I’ve talked to FIBA officials about non-Asian players representing teams in the Asian competitions. I am looking forward to seeing Asian countries protest against this law that allows others to strengthen themselves with European or American players,” Matic said.
Iran, the defending champion, has been drawn along with Uzbekistan, Kuwait and Taiwan in Group B. Iran is scheduled to play Taiwan in its opener on August 6.
The tournament’s top three teams qualify automatically for the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey, while at least three more can be selected as wild cards by FIBA to complete the 24-team cast