FIBA says more than 100 players will be tested for drugs at worlds, its largest program ever

FIBA says drug testing program its largest ever

ISTANBUL — Basketball’s governing body says more than 100 random drug tests will be conducted at the world championship, its largest program ever.

Patrick Baumann, FIBA’s secretary general, says 48 players, two from each team, have been tested and there will be at least 60 tests more during the tournament through Sept. 12.

Baumann says he hopes this can “banish the myth that some teams are not tested,” adding that “everybody is treated exactly the same and there are no exceptions.”

FIBA has been conducting random drug tests since 1990.

Baumann also says Monday that FIBA hopes to increase the world championship from 24 to 32 teams, and the Olympics from 12 to 16.