FIBA suspends BAP

For failing to resolve their differences and worse, bringing the case to court, the two contending parties within the Basketball Association of the Philippines have placed the entire country in an embarrassing position on the international front and the sport very dear to every Filipino in a virtual limbo.

This unfortunate development came yesterday after the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the world governing body in basketball, placed the BAP under indefinite suspension until its leadership dispute, which has been going on for the last six months, is finally settled.

Borislav Stankovic, the FIBA secretary-general from Yugoslavia, yesterday wrote the BAP, the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Asian Basketball Confederation saying that the BAP, due to the suspension, cannot take part in any official international competition of the FIBA, including regional games like the SEA Games or the Asian Games.

In his letter, Stankovic said the FIBA has taken note of the latest developments in the BAP. "According to the reports we received, two separate groups of officials have now been elected on June 7 as requested by the POC, and on June 20 as requested by a court intervention, allowing "de facto" for two national federations in the Philippines," he said.

Stankovic added that this is "clear contradiction" with the FIBA by-laws which state that only one national federation may be recognized by the FIBA per country. And therefore, the world basketball body cannot recognize either of the two groups.

As a consequence, the BAP also loses its right to vote at the world congress as well as the congress of its respective zone. Filipino referees recognized by FIBA are also rendered inactive until the leadership dispute between Gonzalo "Lito" Puyat and Quintellano "Tiny" Literal is settled.

"It’s very sad for Philippine basketball," said Puyat, whose faction is the one recognized by the POC. "If only all of us followed the right route, which is to abide by the POC decision, this should not have happened."

"It’s an insult to the POC because when it made a resolution calling for an elections, both parties promised to abide by it," he added.

For their part, Literal said they will appeal the decision and "explain (to FIBA) what really happened."

In fact, Literal said Gayrika Perusinghe, legal counsel of the ABC who observed their elections last June 20, will file a report with the FIBA today. He added that ABC Carl Ching Menky has told him "not to get excited" and added the ABC will submit a report on the conduct of their elections and its recommendations to the FIBA.

"We are now reaping the consequence of the POC’s stubborn refusal to recognize our autonomy," said Literal.

The FIBA can only reconsider its decision if and when a written conciliatory document clearly defining the reorganization of just one BAP and nominating the officials in charge, duly signed by the conflicting parties, and accepted by the POC is received by the FIBA; or all conflicting parties agree in writing to submit to and have their dispute decided by a FIBA panel acting as an arbitration panel, in accordance with FIBA regulations.

"It is regrettable that the FIBA has suspended the BAP because of this issue because it has gone to court and the FIBA did not like it. As I’ve said before, issues in sports must be settled within the structure of the Olympic movement," said POC president Celso Dayrit, who reaffirmed his recognition of the Puyat faction as the legitimate BAP.

"Nakakahiya itong nangyaring ito (it’s a shame). But it did not come as a surprise because we’ve told these two groups about it. I haven’t talked to either Mr. Puyat or Mr. Literal but they must now sit down and talk, the POC and the PSC are willing to join them. The IOC representative to the Philippines, Mr. Frank Elizalde, has also expressed his willingness to help," said Dayrit.

PSC chairman Carlos Tuason said it’s a "sad day" because the Philippines might now be barred from fielding a basketball team to the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in September. "And of all, it’s the most loved sport in the country. Sabi nga dito sa atin, matalo na sa iba, ’wag lang sa basketball. Ngayon, baka ni hindi tayo makakapagpadala ng team sa SEA Games," he said.