FIBA not likely to change World Cup format amid tanking charge
By Phil Watson
FIBA has launched an investigation into allegations that Australia intentionally lost its final game of the group stage against Angola in order to avoid a potential quarterfinal meeting with Team USA.
Australia led the game at the half 42-29 before resting several players for the entire second half in the 91-83 loss.
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That dropped Australia’s record in Group D to 3-2, assuring them third place and a spot on the opposite half of the bracket from Team USA. Instead, Slovenia finished second in the group and got thumped by the U.S. in the quarterfinals.
Of course, it sort of backfired on the Aussies as they lost to Turkey in the round of 16.
According to EuroHoops.net, FIBA has no plans to change the format in order to help prevent this sort of accusation in the future.
"“We are happy with our current format and we are not expecting to change it,” FIBA secretary general Patrick Baumann said."
Australia is facing a fine of $500,000 and a potential suspension from international tournament play if it is found to have intentionally lost the game. Coach Andrej Lemanis could also be fined $100,000 and faced a possible suspension if it is determined he deliberately manipulated the outcome of the game.
Denials from the Aussies aside, common sense says that of course Australia lost deliberately. As long as teams are provided an incentive for losing (*cough* Philadelphia 76ers *cough*), those teams will do so.
Without a format change, Baumann’s hope of this not happening again will be more pipe dream than expected result.