Thailand’s deceptive tactic?….

BARELY two-months to go before the region’s biggest sporting conclave unfolds in three major cities to be hosted by Thailand. But the Thai Organizing Committee has yet to come-up or confirmed players’ eligibility (specially in basketball).

Over last two months, the host organizing committee has been flip-flopping, or deli-dellying on which eligibility should they adopt and time is running out, as the country’’s preparation in putting up a better and competitive team had been hampered.

I think and I believed other participating countries, their preparation have likewise been affected, as they await for the the Thai organizers to come out with solid and firm decision to which rules should they adopt before the December event.

Thai organizing committee’s so-called “flip-flopping” attitude, this corner can’t help but to wonder or speculate, it could the Thai Organizing Committee playing deception?….Just asking.

This kind of deception game is nothing new, I’ve seen it and experienced it. Even in other sporting event, even in the Olympics. Wherein the host country has the prerogative and the privilege to set and change rules or guidelines that would enchance it's’ chances of winning.

I Believed in my last discussion, I’ve mention that the Thai basketball federation has previously announced, will be adopting the “Passport Rule” in basketball, wherein, local players with foreign descent and naturalized citizens can play and represent their chosen country.

But couple of months later, Thai organizers change the rules they previously pronounced. Instead they will adopt the FIBA sanction policy, which means, only local players, who gained passports before turning 16, and one naturalized athlete.

Now, the host organizer has shifted again it's attention to “Passport Only”, What the?….This is truly unacceptable and disgusting, They been playing us and other participating countries all along to their lousy deceptive tactic. It’s like win by all cost.

I remembered this deceptive tactic was onced implemmentèd by organizers during the 1983 FIBA Asia Cup (previously known as Asian Basketball Confederation) hosted by Hong Kong, wherein the Philippines paraded four naturalised American players for the first time.

Winning four of its Group stage matches overwhelmingly, only to be relegated to the consolation phase after FIBA forfeited all won games by the Philippines. Reason?..,For fielding in an eligible players, though it was previously approved during the pre-tournament conference.

But the world governing body reversed its decision following a protest filed by no less regional rival China and along with its cohorts.

By the way, ill-fated Philippine squad were led by PBA legend Hector Calma, Franz Pumaren, Tonichi Yturri, Jiong Uchico, Teddy Alfarero, Leo Austria and Alfie Almario. The Americans were Dennis Steel, Jeff Moore,Chipp Engeland and Ricardo Brown.