The IWBF Executive Council has met for the first time in nearly three years ©IWBF

The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) Executive Council has met for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, gathering at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball in Mies in Switzerland.

All members were present in Switzerland with the exception of the Asia Oceania Zone President Saad Alazmaa.

Zone secretary generals and representatives from the Players' Commission were also present.

Taking place at the headquarters of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), an overview of upcoming competitions for 2022 - the World Championships, Men's Under-23 World Championship and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games - was given.

Wheelchair basketball 3x3 is set to make its debut at the Commonwealth Games.

There was also an update on the proposed qualification system for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which is awaiting approval from the International Paralympic Committee.

Four new members were accepted too - the Cameroonian Sport Federation for Physically Disabled Persons, National Paralympic Committee of Montenegro, Wheelchair Basketball Eswatini, and the Tunisian Federation of Sports for Disabled.

There are now 104 members affiliated with IWBF.

IWBF had their Executive Council meeting at the FIBA headquarters ©Getty Images
IWBF had their Executive Council meeting at the FIBA headquarters ©Getty Images

A decision was also taken to start a consultation process, which would lead to a 10-year strategy for the IWBF.

IWBF President Ulf Mehrens and FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis signed an addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding related to marketing rights.

Athletes from the newly-created IWBF Players' Commission also met with the Executive Council, prior to the two days of meetings.

The 2022 IWBF Congress is to follow later this year where elections on a new Executive Council are set to take place.

It is scheduled to take place in Dubai from November 24 to 26.