SBP urges Fiba probe on removal of stickers from Philippine Arena court

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas urged Fiba to look into the incident where members of the Australian national team stripped off Fiba-approved stickers on the parquet floor of the Philippine Arena.

Through its legal counsel Atty. Aga Francisco, the SBP called on Fiba to probe into the matter during a technical meeting on Monday ahead of Gilas Pilipinas’ showdown with Australia.

The SBP described the act of removing the stickers as “unilateral and uncalled for.”

In a video footage tweeted by SBP chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan late Sunday night, members of the Aussie team were seen removing logos on the court.

Aussie team ripping our/Fiba logos on the court of Phil Arena w/o asking permission. We will not back down. Those stickers go in. Regardless. pic.twitter.com/LMwyiBNtG4

— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) July 1, 2018

In a press release, the SBP said concerns over their players’ safety prompted the Australian national team to rip off the decals during its closed door practice on Sunday afternoon. The Australians have apologized for their actions and are expected to make a statement regarding the issue Monday night. However, the removal of stickers without notifying Fiba or the SBP also damaged parts of the floor that has owners and operators of the arena is looking at the possibility of filing “criminal action of malicious damage to property through pre-meditation and in conspiracy with each other.” The SBP is still awaiting Fiba’s response to the incident.