FIBA to POC: Forget SEAG caging

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has warned the Philippines of a more severe sanction if the Philippine Olympic Committee pursues its plan to stage basketball in the coming Southeast Asian Games without the blessing of the Fiba.

Fiba secretary general Patrick Baumann said the fact that this option is being considered is of serious concern to the world cage body and this may jeopardize the memorandum of understanding reached by the POC and the Fiba last Sept. 29.

Baumann stressed this in a letter to POC chairman Robert Aventajado and president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr. last Nov. 1.

The Fiba Asia was furnished a copy, and Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) secretary general Dato Yeoh Choo Hock has warned their country affiliates of serious implications should any of them participate in a basketball event not sanctioned by Fiba.

Baumann cited their Statutes and Internal Regulations, saying affiliated members can only participate in FIBA sanctioned events.

"Should the Philippine team participate in the SEA Games in whatever form, the competition will then no longer be sanctioned by FIBA and any participating country and official in the basketball tournament will face sanctions from the International Federation," said Baumann.

Apparently, Baunmann was obliged to make the letter after receiving information that the POC may pursue other avenues that will allow the staging of basketball in the 23rd SEA Games.

Cojuangco, who is also the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Philsoc) head, is to convene the SEAG Federation Council Friday in Bangkok, Thailand to solicit a collegial decision on the issue of basketball in the games.

"It is a public knowledge that everyone wants basketball in the SEA Games but Fiba has been indifferent to our requests so we are left with no choice but to bring this issue to the council," Cojuangco has said.

Philsoc has reported that six countries including Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia are keen on having basketball in the games.

But Baumann has practically nixed this.

"I will be obliged to bring this to the attention of the Fiba Central Board and shall also inform accordingly our affiliated members in the region," said Baumann.