The technical commission of the Confederation of European Baseball (CEB) made the draw for the European Championship (EC) Qualifiers, which will be held this summer. The place for the next EC is unknown at the moment, because of the withdrawal of Russia. They are also moving the event from 2009 to 2010. The commission ruled that the seventh ranked team (Italy) from last year’s EC is free from qualifying games if the host is from the best six nations. The German and Dutch Federations are considered as favourites to receive the right to organize the EC.
The qualifiers take place on five different occasions from July 7th until July 12th. Each group has five participants. They will play a single round robin with a final best-of-three series (including first game from preliminary round) between the two first ranked teams. The five winners will be qualified for the next championships.
Groups:
Antwerp, Belgium:
Belgium
San Marino
Switzerland
Austria
Malta
Prague, Czechia:
Czech Republic
Poland
Latvia
Slovenia
Belarus
Estonia (Participation not confirmed)
Karlovac, Croatia:
Croatia
Serbia
Israel
Bulgaria
Lithuania
Trnava, Slovakia:
Slovakia
Hungary
Finland
Ukraine
Romania
Abrantes, Portugal:
Portugal
Norway
Russia
Greece
Ireland
The groups are not official yet, as there is always a possibility of a withdrawal.
Comment by Werner
February 9, 2008 | 1:14 pm
One Question:
Why is Italy automatically qualified for the A-Pool??
Are there different rules for some countries?
Just wondering….
Comment by philipp
February 9, 2008 | 1:55 pm
The rules are not different. It is just the case that Russia withdraw to host the next EC. The best six teams from last year’s EC are directly qualified. The host is also qualified. It is expected that the new organizer will be from these six nations. Due to this reason the seventh team (Italy) would be also qualified without qualifying games. The five other spots come from the qualifiers this summer.
Comment by magnus
February 9, 2008 | 2:53 pm
Why are we not surprised about the Italian exeption.Alot of decisions over the years with Italian representatives in CEB or IBA have been in their favor.Russias withdrawal was forced by officials to present a better arrangement for getting baseball into the Olympics again and maybe Italy into A-pool.
Comment by rudd
February 10, 2008 | 3:19 am
Actually I heard rumours that Russia’s withdrawal is connected with field problem. They began to build a new one, but then suddenly all construction work stopped and it is being demolished. And previously Germany was mentioned as a host for EC in 2010 (!) on this website. SO according to the regulations if the orginazier is among Top 6 teams Nr. 7 team qualifies automatically. But of course let’s not forget what positions Mr Fraccari has in CEB and IBAF..
Comment by Manny
February 12, 2008 | 1:25 am
But it’s one of the better deciscions that Russia will not host the EC! We want to return to the Olympics thats the most important thing we all have to work for!
Comment by Chris
February 13, 2008 | 10:24 pm
Second that, Manny! I think that most people in Europe definately would like to have a showcase European tournament in an environment in which we could show the best organization of a European tournament. And a half-ready field in Moscow is not the best way. About Italy – rules are rules. Doesn’t matter if God himself is on the Italian side, he can’t change the rules that says the top 6 plus the organizer to the A-pool. So Italy has all rights to be there even though it does rub a lot of people the wrong way.
Comment by Marek
April 16, 2008 | 3:12 pm
I was looking to get in touch with the Polish national team in hope to participate for them in the qualifier. If anyone can help me out with that, please post some info. thanks
Comment by George
April 22, 2008 | 4:54 am
Which are the 6 teams that got a buy besides Italy?
Why was the Championship moved from 2009 to 2010?
Can’t someone host the Championship in 2009?
It seems a long time to wait and some of the players who will qualify may not be avilable for 2010. To qualify and wait 2 years seems very absurd. It should be changed back.