Serbia withdraws from Mediterranean Games 3x3 tournament after being drawn against Kosovo

Serbia's national 3x3 basketball team has withdrawn from the Mediterranean Games tournament held in Taranto, Italy. The decision came after the team was drawn into the same group as Kosovo.

The Kosovo Basketball Federation announced Serbia's withdrawal. Serbia and Kosovo were scheduled to compete against each other on Saturday in Group C, alongside Turkey and Portugal. However, Serbia was no longer listed in the group's schedule on the day the match was due to take place.

The Basketball Federation of Serbia has not issued a formal statement explaining the withdrawal. While media in Kosovo have focused on the timing and circumstances, suggesting Serbia is avoiding a match with Kosovo, there is no official confirmation directly linking the withdrawal to the political status of Kosovo.

Reports indicate that there were suggestions of a potential withdrawal several days prior, though no official announcement was made. The lack of an official explanation has drawn attention, particularly as the tournament draw was known since late May. The situation also precedes next year's Mediterranean Games, which are scheduled to be hosted in Pristina, Kosovo.