The memory of the success of the Belize national basketball team at the COCABA
Tournament in Cancun may have faded somewhat, but the issue of the players’
eligibility is still very live. You probably recall that the eligibility of
7 of the American-born players was being challenged by FIBA which is the worldwide
governing body for basketball. Because of that, the games were played under
protest, with the specific understanding that the results and indeed the outcome
of the tournament where team Belize earned silver – would stand pending
a hearing.
Well, it’s time; the review will be heard before an appeals tribunal
in Geneva Switzerland on Monday. President of the Belize Basketball Federation
Paul Thompson and the BBF’s attorney Godfrey Smith left for Switzerland
this morning. Smith will make presentations before the tribunal explaining the
process of attaining nationality by children born to Belizean parents in the
United States. FIBA will also have representation from its attorney.
Before leaving Smith told us that the case is straightforward as outlined
in the constitution of Belize: any persons born to Belizean parents is a Belizean
at birth, regardless of where they are born - even though, he or she, may not
get their passport until later in life. Smith says he is confident but guarded
in his optimism because FIBA”s regulations are interpreted by a different
legal tradition.
But even if Belize is not successful in this hearing, it doesn’t automatically
mean that Team Belize loses its medals. The Basketball Federation can further
appeal to an International Olympic Committee Tribunal. The hearing is set for
on Monday morning Eastern European time – which is 7 hours ahead of Belize.
That means by the time we wake up in Belize we should know the outcome.
And for clarity, the BBF didn’t just up and decide to go to Switzerland
to argue their case. The federation had to meet multiple deadlines to submit
legal arguments in writing and pay considerable fees to FIBA to process the
appeal. Those tens of thousands of dollars were covered by the Prime Minister’s
office, Telemedia and the National Sports Council. Additionally, attorney Godfrey
Smith is providing his services pro-bono.
Email
Print