British Basketball to Challenge UK Sport’s Funding Cut Decision

British Basketball are set to take on UK Sport over their decision to cut the funding of the sport in the lead up to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The organisation will try to secure a reprieve by making representations to the UK Sport board about the decision to cut its four-year, £7million programme, with a formal appeal also possible if that proves to be unsuccessful.

British Basketball’s performance chairman Roger Moreland said: “I’m not sure it’s really appreciated what the men’s and women’s teams have achieved in such a short space of time.

“The last seven years have been a tale of unprecedented achievement; a journey from nowhere to the peaks of the sport.

“UK Sport’s funding and support has made this possible. Basketball is the legacy sport for young people from 2012. It is GB’s largest Olympic team sport in terms of participation so there has to be understanding about what this decision means.

“The irony is that we are still on the road to Rio and success in this summer’s EuroBasket qualification round will keep us on track to achieve another unprecedented milestone.”

British Swimming has already notified UK Sport of its intention to appeal the withdrawal of Olympic funding from women’s synchronised swimming and water polo.