MANILA, Philippines – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has called on the world governing body for basketball, FIBA, to investigate the actions of the Australian delegation at the Philippine Arena.

SBP's legal counsel, Atty. Aga Francisco, conveyed to FIBA during the technical meeting ahead of the Philippine-Australia match a "very diplomatic but strong message," regarding what it described as the "unilateral and uncalled for tampering of the stickers at the hardcourt" of the arena.

According to the SBP, members of the Australian team forcibly removed the stickers of game sponsors from the Philippine Arena during its closed-door practice, without conferring with FIBA or the local organizing committee (LOC).

"As it was a closed-door practice, no member of FIBA or the LOC was present to prevent the removal of the stickers, which permanently damaged the floor of the court," SBP said in a statement.

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The Australian team was apparently concerned about the safety of their players, as the decals made the court slippery.

The local organizing committee, through SBP deputy executive director Bernie Atienza, acknowledged Australia's right to complain, but stressed that the visitors had no right to remove the stickers – which had all been approved by FIBA.

All decals had been approved by FIBA's branding manager, who was also present for the placement of the stickers.

Francisco said this was no small incident but could indeed be "international in nature," as the owners and operators of the Philippine Arena could possibly file a criminal action of malicious damage to property through pre-meditation and in conspiracy with each other.

The Australians, through their representatives in the technical meeting, admitted their fault and deeply apologized for the incident.

However, Francisco still urged FIBA to act decisively, for fear of "turning this into an unsavory international incident."

"FIBA should take action in order that the owners will be appeased, so they will not file action," he said.

SBP is awaiting FIBA's response on the matter.

The Philippines will play Australia at the Philippine Arena at 7:30 p.m. on Monday night. Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio has informed ABS-CBN News that the decals are being replaced.

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.