World basketball governing body (FIBA) has provisionally suspended Burundian Basketball Federation (FEBABU) pending resolutions of disciplinary proceedings regarding recent withdrawal of Burundian champions Dynamo from the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in March. FIBA accuses FEBABU of backing Dynamo to abstain from playing BAL games if not permitted to play without the Visit Rwanda sponsor display on their jerseys during the Kalahari Conference games held in Pretoria, South Africa, in March resulting to club's disqualified from the tournament. “FEBABU is provisionally suspended, pending resolution of the present disciplinary proceedings by decision of the FIBA Central Board,” a letter addressed to FEBABU president Jean-Paul Manirakiza on Friday, April 12, reads in part. ALSO READ: BAL 2024: Burundi's Dynamo forfeits FUS Rabat game In the case of reference, FIBA said, FEBABU's actions constitute an infringement of applicable provisions of the FIBA general statutes, bringing discredit and disrepute to FIBA and tarnishing the image and reputation of the sport of basketball. ALSO READ: Dynamo out of BAL over Visit Rwanda logo snub The letter noted that national member federations must observe the FIBA general statutes, the internal regulations, and other rules, regulations, and decisions of FIBA. But, following Dynamo's BAL saga, FIBA summed up the situation in a view that FEBABU's actions are against the promotion of the interests of basketball. FEBABU has until April 23 to have submitted explanations, statements, and evidence to FIBA.
