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Russia Excluded from Men’s Basketball at 2024 Olympics

The Olympic rings are displayed outside the basketball arena in the Olympic Park before the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, on July 15, 2012. (AP)
The Olympic rings are displayed outside the basketball arena in the Olympic Park before the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, on July 15, 2012. (AP)
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Russia Excluded from Men’s Basketball at 2024 Olympics

The Olympic rings are displayed outside the basketball arena in the Olympic Park before the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, on July 15, 2012. (AP)
The Olympic rings are displayed outside the basketball arena in the Olympic Park before the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, on July 15, 2012. (AP)

Russia has been excluded from qualification for the men's Olympic basketball tournament in Paris next year, basketball's international governing body FIBA said Tuesday.

The decision was widely expected since FIBA has suspended Russia's teams from international play since shortly after the invasion of Ukraine last year.

The International Olympic Committee favors allowing individual athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus to compete as neutrals, but not as national teams, like in basketball.

Russia's world ranking was high enough for it to play Olympic pre-qualifying tournaments this year, but that place will be given to Bulgaria as the next-highest-ranked team from Europe, FIBA said in a statement citing the IOC's recommendations.

The Russian women's team already missed out on qualification when it was suspended from the World Cup and EuroBasket qualification last year. Belarus cannot qualify men's or women's teams.

There was no information Tuesday from FIBA about 3-on-3 basketball, which is also an Olympic event.

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Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo to Return on January 17-18

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA
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Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo to Return on January 17-18

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, the world’s first organized desert polo tournament, will return to AlUla from January 17 to 18, 2025, offering a spectacular celebration of top-class sport, culture, and equestrian heritage.
Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation, Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village within the stunning surroundings of the ancient oasis city.
"This tournament has become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s sports and social calendar, showcasing the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines our region,” said Chief Sports Officer at the RCU Ziad AlSuhaibani.

“We look forward to continuing to inspire, connect, and elevate the global appreciation of equestrian sports, while aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030's goals of enhancing cultural tourism and offering world-class sporting experiences in the Kingdom,” he added.
Richard Mille is returning as the title sponsor of the event, underscoring the brand’s commitment to excellence in sports and events as well as reinforcing its partnership with this one-of-a-kind polo tournament.
The two-day event will feature a blend of world-class polo, history, heritage, and glamour, making it an unmissable occasion on Saudi Arabia’s sports and social calendar.
Some of the top players in global polo are set to participate in the tournament, including Argentine world-famous polo player Adolfo Cambiaso, founder and captain of La Dolfina Polo Team.
Joining Cambiaso in AlUla will be his son Adolfo "Poroto" Cambiaso and his daughter Mia Cambiaso. Other notable players include Nacho Figueras – dubbed the “David Beckham of polo” – and Pablo Mac Donough. Additionally, more professional female players will again participate after their debut at the 2024 tournament.
The event will feature six teams of three players, comprising one professional, one international patron, and one dignitary. Two days of action-packed matches will see the teams battle for the prestigious Desert Polo trophy.