Basketball Australia has received the Notice of Decision by the FIBA Disciplinary Panel in relation to the incident in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualification game between the Australian Men’s National Team (the Boomers) and the Philippines Men’s National Team.
The findings of the Panel released by FIBA today are:
- No sanction shall be imposed on Nathan Sobey and Jason Cadee
- A suspension of one (1) game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers is imposed on Chris Goulding for inciting, aiding or abetting unsportsmanlike behavior
- A suspension of three (3) games of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers is imposed on Thon Maker for unsportsmanlike behavior or behavior that tarnishes the image or reputation of FIBA and/or basketball
- A suspension of five (5) games of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers is imposed on Daniel Kickert for unsportsmanlike behavior or behavior that tarnishes the image or reputation of FIBA and/or basketball
- A disciplinary fine of CHF100,000 (A$150,000) is imposed on Basketball Australia for removing floor decals during team training on the day prior to the game and its role in the third quarter incident.
Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Anthony Moore said:
“As we stated at the outset, Basketball Australia sincerely regrets the incident that occurred in Manila and the involvement of our players in it. The FIBA Disciplinary Panel’s findings were comprehensive and addressed the key points of our submission.
“We acknowledge the sanctions handed down against Australian players and acknowledge the sanctions imposed against Philippines players and officials involved in the incident. We are seeking further clarification from FIBA about possible sanctions against other officials and fans involved in the incident.
“We also welcome FIBA’s finding in its report that no discriminatory or racist language was used by Australian Boomers players, nor did it incite the incident as has been alleged.
“We have 14 days to appeal the sanctions. Whilst it is unlikely we will do so this is a matter that will be considered at a scheduled board meeting of Basketball Australia tomorrow.
“We now look forward to the next stage of World Cup qualifying in September and the Boomers playing basketball that all Australians can be proud of as we look ahead to next year’s World Cup in China and the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.”
In the spirit of reconciliation Basketball Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.