BERLIN (Germany) – The first meeting of the FIBA Central Board in 2026 took place in the German capital, in conjunction with the Draw for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026, and the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2026 induction ceremony.
The meeting proceedings commenced with an opening speech by European Olympic Committees President and IOC Executive Board member Spyros Capralos.
In addition to awarding the hosting rights for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2030 and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2031, and discussing several topics, the Central Board approved some changes to the official basketball rules.
Official Basketball Rules changes
The Central Board approved the changes to the Official Basketball Rules proposed by the FIBA Rules Advisory Group, which comprises representatives of coaches, players, referees, and experts, including the following modifications:
- Instant Replay: the addition of the possibility to review, at any time during a game, a goaltending or basket interference violation after a committed foul and during the last two minutes of a game, whether a throw-in foul is committed.
- A more precise definition of continuous movement and the act of shooting, to address situations whereby a player tries to artificially enter into an act of shooting situation when fouled, either in transition or half-court offence.
- Introducing two types of technical fouls, according to their nature and severity level, with one counting towards game disqualification and the other not.
- Introducing the notion of Disruption and Flagrant fouls instead of Unsportsmanlike fouls.
Valid as of October 1, the detailed changes will be published in the coming weeks.
Read the full news release: FIBA Central Board meeting concludes as Road to Berlin enters final stretch