13 players and 2 Filipino basketball coaches suspended for Philippines and Australia brawl

Thirteen players and two Filipino basketball coaches have been suspended for their role in a mass brawl during a World Cup qualifier between the Philippines and Australia earlier this month.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) also said it would fine the national Philippines basketball organisation $371,000 and the Australians $148,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Nine Filipino players and four Australians were ejected from the 2019 World Cup Asian qualifieron July 2nd after officials spent more than 30 minutes separating members of both teams following a brawl that was triggered in the third quarter.

The game eventually resumed but had to be halted for good once the hosts were left with just one player on court as Australia won the contest 89‑53.

FIBA said in a statement that the Australians were also sanctioned for tampering with equipment after removing floor stickers from the court during practice on the eve of the game.

[Source:RNZ]

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