FIBA - Insiders speak about FIBA World Championship 2010 four-country bid

Slovenia (FIBA World Championship 2010) - Hopes are high in the former Yugoslavia that the region will host the FIBA World Championship 2010 but France and Turkey are also thought to have an excellent chance to be awarded basketball's most prestigious tournament.

The central board members of the sport's world governing body will announce their decision on Sunday at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

Here are the opinions, gathered by FIBA correspondent Simon Licen, of three high profile figures in European basketball.

Sinisa Stojanovic, president of the Slovenian Association of Basketball Officials:

"The combined four-country bid is a great acknowledgement and an honour for Slovenian basketball. It is also a great challenge, as the success of such an event does not rely solely on sports organisations, but requires tight cooperation between sports and economy.

"I believe the organisation of the World Championship would increase the popularity and improve the development of basketball in Slovenia.

"I hope the combined bid will be selected, as this area is home to the best basketball in Europe."

David Dedek, assistant coach of Anwil Wloclawek (Poland, FIBA Europe league):

"I think the combined bid from the ex-Yugoslav republics is very interesting and I hope FIBA will have the courage to take this decision."

On the public opinion on this topic in Poland:

"I have not heard or read anything related to the World Championship bids here in Poland. However, people here are satisfied and thrilled that their bid for the 2009 European Championship bid has been selected."

Marjan Hafner, commissioner and national FIBA instructor:

"I believe the French bid is more likely to win."
 
As for the bid of the former Yugoslavian Republics?

"There will be some doubts related to the war that happened in the near past and I don't think the political situation is steady.

"I think the bid is very much media-oriented and not very likely to succeed.

"Of course we should consider which countries would then be automatically qualified to the tournament. The other participants might not like all four countries being directly qualified as hosts of the tournament."