With the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ pullout from the 2018 Asian Games, Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas said that they are expecting to be fined by the Olympic Council of Asia.
If that happens, it will be another blow to the SBP financially. The federation is set to pay almost PHP 13M to FIBA as part of the sanctions slapped on them following Gilas Pilipinas’ brawl with Australia early this July.
“I think so, there will be a sanction which is probably in terms of monetary,” said Vargas, Friday.
“But I don’t know if there’s a sanction outside of a fine.”
The sudden pullout from the continental meet in August has left many wondering about what will happen to the Philippines’ relationship with Indonesia, since the latter has given the country plenty of time to put up a men’s basketball team.
The deadline of submission of lineups was set last June 30, but given the circumstances around Philippine basketball, the INASGOC allowed the Philippines to take its time composing a unit.
It’s also worth noting that the Philippines and Indonesia – along with Japan – are joining hands in hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023.
Vargas said that they have not yet sent formal notice to the INASGOC of their decision, but will work on it within the day. Moreover, he is hoping that the Southeast Asian neighbors will be able to withstand this challenge.
“Wala pa kaming naririnig from them. We haven’t formally informed them of the withdrawal but I’m sure within the day we will inform them,” disclosed Vargas, who is also the chairman of the Philippine Basketball Association.
“I think they will understand what we’re going through and the process what SBP has done. The relationship of SBP and the Indonesian basketball association is strong and will withstand this issue,” added the executive.
The withdrawal has caused a frenzy on social media, with a lot of netizens obviously disappointed with what had turned out. Vargas understands the qualms, but he said that this is now the best time for recollection for SBP.
“Naiintindihan kong disappointed mga tao but this is a time to look at long-term plans instead of looking at short-term plans.”
