The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) today announced that the men's team from I.R. Iran has withdrawn from the tournament due to dissatisfaction with the draw proposed for the cross-over round and subsequent schedule.

Consequently, the game USA vs. Iran will be decided by IWBF Rulebook Rule 4, Article 20, “Game lost by Forfeit.” The USA will be awarded the win by the score of 20:0 in accordance with the applicable rule and will progress to the semi-finals.

The IWBF and the IPC regret this decision taken by Iran and the disruption caused to the tournament. Despite this occurrence, the IWBF iand the IPC are certain that the remaining teams will continue to participate to their best and an outstanding Gold medal game will be hosted on 16 September.

_______________________________________

Notes to the Editor:

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. The IPC organizes the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for nine sports, for which it supervises and co-ordinates the World Championships and other competitions. The IPC is committed to enabling Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and to developing sport opportunities for all persons with a disability from the beginner to elite level. In addition, the IPC aims to promote the Paralympic values, which include courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

Founded on 22 September 1989, the IPC is an international non-profit organization formed and run by 162 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) from five regions and four disability specific international sports federations (IOSDs). The IPC Headquarters and its management team are located in Bonn, Germany.

For further information, please contact Steffi Klein, IPC Media and Communications Senior Manager, on e-mail: steffi.klein@paralympic.org or go to www.paralympic.org and www.ParalympicSport.TV.