FIBA Europe has held its first virtual General Assembly ©FIBA Europe

International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Europe President Turgay Demirel has claimed the organisation "reacted swiftly" when the coronavirus pandemic became a global crisis as the governing body held its first virtual General Assembly.

During his opening speech to the membership, Demirel said FIBA Europe quickly cancelled and rescheduled its events "while preparing a detailed roadmap for return to action later on, and always in consultation with all stakeholders and taking into account the health of participants".

FIBA Europe cancelled the 2019-2020 seasons in three of its major competitions - the Europe Cup, EuroLeague Women and EuroCup Women - in June in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The continental body is hoping to resume its events this month, with qualifiers for the Women's EuroBasket 2021 getting underway in November.

FIBA Europe President Turgay Demirel addressed the members during the virtual meeting ©FIBA
FIBA Europe President Turgay Demirel addressed the members during the virtual meeting ©FIBA

FIBA President Hamane Niang and secretary general Andreas Zagklis were among the officials who attended the virtual General Assembly.

According to FIBA Europe, Niang and Zagklis "commended the work done by the European Board, the National Federations and the office during these difficult times".

FIBA Europe executive director Kamil Novak presented the organisation's annual report, while Demirel paid tribute to those in the sport who have died this year, including National Basketball Association star Kobe Bryant.

Sarajevo is set to hold the next FIBA Europe General Assembly on May 15 2021.

FIBA Europe has also approved Lithuania as the host of the annual gathering of its membership in 2022.