SBP almost done with FIBA appeal
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ position paper in its bid to appeal the FIBA sanctions absorbed by Gilas Pilipinas and the country’s basketball federation is 95 percent done, according to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ Sonny Barrios.
“Ang deadline ng appellant, August 14,” Barrios said in an interview Friday afternoon. “We have been given 11 days from today to submit our appeal papers, including attachments like video footage.”
The SBP bared that they have already settled 2,000 Swiss Francs or P106,776.05 just to avail themselves the opportunity to mount a petition.
The basketball honcho added that the same deadline applies for notifying the international body on whether the Philippines want to file the appeal in person.
“Alternatively, we can also say, we just want to video conference or teleconference with you, ‘di na kami pupunta diyan,” Barrios shared.
The seventh-year SBP executive director said the appeal will be sent to the FIBA panel led by Lars Hilliger and who will serve as the “Single Judge” on the legal process. FIBA assumes the role of the respondent and will be represented by Andreas Zagklis who serves concurrently as Mies-based body’s legal director and general counsel.
“We start our paper with an apology for the unfortunate incident and we end it with a pledge to follow and abide by all the regulations of FIBA and commit our unconditional to FIBA. In between those two are our arguments,” Barrios shared.
Barrios preferred not to go into the details of the appeal.
Ten Gilas players were slapped with varying bans from the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Head coach Chot Reyes absorbed a one-game suspension along with a fine, while his deputy Jong Uichico faces a three-game ban.
The SBP drew the heftiest penalty: a “disciplinary fine” that will cost them around P13 million.
Gilas, although depleted, is still expected to send a team in the second round of the qualifiers, which begins September.
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