SBP restudies appeal of FIBA sanctions

MANILA, Philippines — The appeal fee of 2,000 Swiss Francs (the equivalent of P107,000) was paid but the SBP has until Aug. 14 to decide whether or not to push through with the plan of seeking a reconsideration of the sanctions that FIBA meted out in the wake of the Philippines-Australia brawl in the third window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asia/Pacific Qualifiers at the Philippine Arena last July 2.

Neither SBP president Al Panlilio nor SBP executive director Sonny Barrios could confirm if the appeal will be made. However, they both said a draft is now being finalized for approval by the SBP leadership.

The Philippines took a severe hit from FIBA for its role in the melee with 10 players, including Jio Jalalon who wasn’t suited up, coach Chot Reyes and assistant coach Joseph Uichico facing suspension in varying degrees. Additionally, the SBP was slapped a fine of 250,000 Swiss Francs (the equivalent of P13.3 Million) and Reyes a fine of 10,000 Swiss Francs (P534,000). FIBA also decreed that the Philippines’ next home game against Qatar on Sept. 17 will be played behind closed doors.

Barrios said as far as he knows, the appeal fee is non-refundable so that if the SBP decides not to go ahead with the request for reconsideration, it will forfeit the amount which is earmarked for FIBA’s social project “Basketball For Good” under the International Basketball Foundation.

Panlilio said the appeal is under review by the SBP with the wording carefully crafted because it shouldn’t be misinterpreted as being defiant or offensive to FIBA. “We’re in the process but we haven’t submitted our appeal yet,” he said. “We have up to Aug. 14 to decide whether or not to push through with it. Our idea is to seek clarification on certain details. For instance, R. R. (Pogoy) was cited for instigating the brawl when it was clear that (Daniel) Kickert triggered it with his attack during a dead-ball situation. We also want to clarify that Calvin (Abueva) didn’t start the warm-up altercation and there was only one spectator, not 15 or whatever, who got involved in the brawl. There were over 22,000 people at the Philippine Arena and they were quite well-behaved during the brawl. We just want to be on the same page. I don’t know if clarifying these issues will lead to an adjustment of the sanctions.”

Panlilio said in light of recent developments involving the national team, the SBP is reassessing how to address the sanctions. On Australia’s part, federation CEO Anthony Moore said it will not appeal the FIBA sanctions which cited three players. Kickert was suspended for five games, Thon Maker for three and Chris Goulding for one. The Australian federation was fined 100,000 Swiss Francs or P5.3 Million. For the Philippines, Abueva was suspended for six games, Pogoy, Carl Bryan Cruz and Jalolon for five, Terrence Romeo, Jayson Castro, Troy Rosario and Andray Blatche for three and Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright for one.

“Our legal advice examined a range of appeal options,” said Moore. “However, the chances of success under the FIBA appeal process are very low so we have decided to pursue these matters with FIBA independent of the appeal process.” Moore said an independent consultant would be appointed to review all travel, security and crisis management plans in assuring the safety of national teams in future competitions, starting in the next round of the qualifiers.