The decision was taken by the FIBA Central Board at their second meeting of the year, which was held via video conference.

FIBA said the Under-17 Basketball World Cup will take place in the cities of La Nucia and Alicante in 2022.

The event is the second youth competition awarded to Spain this year, with Madrid having been named as hosts of the 2023 Under-19 Women’s World Cup back in July.

FIBA say this is part of their multi-year hosting model, with Hungary having also been awarded multiple events.

The Central Board also took the decision to continue with its FIBA Skills Challenge project, with national federations having shown a strong interest in the under-17 event this year.

The next FIBA Skills Challenge will be organised in 2021 with a strong focus on development.

The Central Board received a report on the upcoming window of the FIBA Continental Cup Qualifiers, which are set to be played from November 23 to December 1.

FIBA took the decision to conduct these tournaments in bubbles, following recommendations from its Medical Commission and Competitions Commission due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The governing body said the decision came with the health and safety of players, coaches and officials.

FIBA highlighted the successful organisation of the 3x3 World Tour Hungary Masters in Debrecen with participation of players from Europe, Americas and Asia, the Basketball Champions League Qualifiers in Cyprus and Bulgaria and also the Basketball Champions League Final 8 in Athens.

Strict health protocols at each of these events, with the measures having been developed after consultation with the World Health Organisation and the NBA.

Progress reports were also presented on the preparations for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments taking place at the end of June 2021, as well as the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Sydney and the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.

Preparations for the final two 3x3 Basketball World Tour events of the season were also discussed, with Qatar’s capital Doha hosting the Masters from November 20 to 21.

Jeddah in Saudi Arabia is due to stage the final from December 18 to 19.

FIBA has also permitted Mexico’s national team to participate at the FIBA AmeriCup 2022 Qualifiers in November.

The governing body said the decision has been made "exceptionally", with the Mexican Basketball Federation (ADEMEBA) having been suspended back in February.

Recent institutional changes and certain requirements being met will allow Mexico to compete in the event.

FIBA Central Board confirmed it has also co-opted one new member in Jorge Garbajosa, chairman of the Competitions Commission and President of the Spanish Basketball Federation.

A proposal to establish an award in memory of Dr. Dirk-Reiner Martens, who died earlier last year, was approved.

Martens had served as FIBA legal advisor since 1985 and also acted for an interim period as FIBA deputy secretary general in the 1990s.

He trained both Patrick Baumann and Andreas Zagklis, respectively FIBA’s third and fourth secretary generals during their time as FIBA lawyers.

The Dr. Dirk-Reiner Martens Award will be presented every two years to an individual who has made a significant academic contribution in the area of basketball-related legal matters and/or the resolution of international sports disputes.

The Central Board also approved the budget for 2021 and amendments to the FIBA Internal Regulations, notably in relation to cross-border leagues.