FIBA awards 4 wild cards to World Cup

BARCELONA — Finland has received a wild card into the World Cup of Basketball, along with traditional contenders Brazil, Greece and Turkey. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) says the quartet completes a 24-nation line-up at the August 30 — September 14 tournament hosted by Spain. The draw will be held Monday for the four-yearly event previously called the world championship. After 15 countries sought wild cards, FIBA’s ruling board chose four based on sporting, economic and governance qualities. Brazil, Greece and Turkey are all ranked in the top 10 and Finland is No. 39. China, Qatar and Russia were among losing applicants. FIBA says its board also cleared Senegal to fulfil its World Cup entry after being barred following age cheating violations at youth tournaments.