THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is set to appeal before FIBA the sanctions meted on Gilas Pilipinas following the brawl that marred its World Cup home qualifier against Australia last month.
SBP executive director Sonny Barrios on Friday said the federation is now in the process of finalizing its position papers for approval by president Al Panlilio and chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan.
“Ninety five percent na kaming ready to submit it to (president) Al,” said Barrios. “Ninety five percent done deal na 'yun. Ipi-present na lang namin ni Atty. Aga Francisco kay president Al. Kapag pumasa, i-aakyat yun kay Boss (MVP).”
“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 (support) to FIBA. In between those two are our arguments,” added the SBP official.
Unlike the Philippines, Australia has announced it will no longer appeal its case before FIBA, which suspended 10 Gilas players and three from Australia as well as coaches Chot Reyes and Jong Uichico.
Barrios said the appeal will be forwarded to the FIBA Appeals’ Panel headed by Lars Hilliger before the August 14 deadline set by the world governing body for the sport.
“So from today, we have 11 days to submit our appeal papers, including attachments (video footage),” Barrios added. “We also have to inform them up until August 14 on whether we (SBP) want to appear in person or video conference and teleconference na lang.”
FIBA will be represented during the appeals process by no less than its legal director and general counsel Andreas Zagklis along with his subordinate Benjamin Schindler.
Barrios said he expects to receive a decision on SBP’s appeal at least a week after the deadline.
“The respondent which (in this case) is FIBA, has one week to reply (August 21) and give it to Lars Hilliger. Binibigyan sila ng isang linggo para mag-counter sa mga pinagsasabi ng ating papers. Ganoon ang magiging siste,” Barrios explained.
A handling fee of 2,000 CHF (Swiss francs) had been paid for by the SBP to FIBA the moment it availed of the notice of appeal that came along with the suspension order.
“The (FIBA) asked for what they call as advance on the cost of the proceedings, kasi tayo yung umaapila,” he said. “So pagka-deposit natin ng handling fee, complied na tayo ng deadline.”
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