Madagascar steps in to host African championship

GENEVA (AP)—Madagascar is replacing Ivory Coast as host of the African basketball championship because of violence and political turmoil in Abidjan.

The International Basketball Federation says the 16-nation tournament will be played at two venues in Antananarivo between Aug. 17-28.

The winner will represent Africa in the 12-nation men’s lineup at the 2012 London Olympics.

FIBA’s Africa confederation confirmed Madagascar as host after making an inspection tour last week.

Ivory Coast fell behind schedule building the main competition venue after the disputed presidential election last November.

冠軍將獲得2012年倫敦奧運會的參賽資格.

sources:http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-africanchampionship-newhost