FIBA-basketball’s world governing body-has handed out sweeping punishments to playing members of Australia and Philippines.
This comes after members of both sides fought on and off the court during a 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifying game on July 2.
Players including Philippines Center Andray Blatche and Australia Center Thon Maker have been banned from upcoming qualifiers.
National Federations were charged and officials in charge of the game were not left out as they have been included in the ban.
The referees have been removed from FIBA’s elite program and will not officiate any FIBA organized competition up to a year.
For his role in the melee, Philippines Coach Vincent Reyes will not be in charge of the team’s next game and will pay a fine.
The incident which attracted international attention happened in the third quarter and halted the game for several minutes before Australia went on to record an 89-53 win.
Philippines will play its next game behind closed doors; both teams in contention for places in next year’s World Cup.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
