Qualifying matches for FIBA continental competitions are set to be played in bubbles ©Getty Images

Qualifying matches for the International Basketball Federation's (FIBA) continental competitions are set to be played in bubbles to ensure the safety of participants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following a recommendation from the Medical Commission and the Competitions Commission, the FIBA Executive Committee decided to conduct the November and February qualifiers in bubbles.

All the games of both windows will be conducted in a secure environment instead of home and away matches, with the agreement of the host public health authorities and in compliance with FIBA health protocols.

Each bubble will consist of one or two qualification groups, which is four or eight teams. 

The hosts will be decided at regional level and will be announced in due course, FIBA said.

Qualifiers still need to be played for the men's FIBA Asia Cup, Afrobasket, Eurobasket and AmeriCup.

NBA matches have been played in a bubble this year ©Getty Images
NBA matches have been played in a bubble this year ©Getty Images

The Asia Cup was rescheduled by one week to August 17 to 29 to accommodate the postponed Olympic Games in Tokyo, with next year's Afrobasket in Rwanda also moved to August 24 to September 5. 

The EuroBasket and the AmeriCup, both originally due to take place in 2021, have been rescheduled to a period between September 1 to 18 2022.

A number of other sports have successfully completed competitions in bio-secure bubbles, including the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association leagues in the United States. 

FIBA claimed it would continue to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 a daily basis and provide further updates when necessary.