FIBA has opted out of disgruntled Illawarra Hawks owner’s fight with NBL
Illawarra Hawks’ owner Jared Novelly’s request for the international body to investigate the NBL has fallen flat, with FIBA redirecting the battle back to Basketball Australia.
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Disgruntled Illawarra owner Jared Novelly’s bid for basketball’s international governing body to investigate NBL boss Larry Kestelman has failed with FIBA instead referring the investigation to Basketball Australia.
In a further boost for Kestelman amid conflict of interest accusations from Novelly, it’s understood BA also have no concerns but must go through a formal process.
It comes as Crest Sport and Entertainment – owner of champions the Illawarra Hawks – has contacted rival clubs asking them to report any misconduct from the NBL to Basketball Australia to assist in the investigation.
Crest has also declared it will provide evidence for the investigation.
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“The time for action is now. We urge each of you to join Crest in making the report to BA and to provide BA (or Crest) with any information which you have about prohibited conduct,” Crest vice chairman Terry Egger wrote.
“Crest and the Hawks have already taken the brunt of the retaliation such that any owner who shares Crest’s concerns and joins us in this process now, will not face the same challenges.”
FIBA claimed Novelly’s grievances against Kestelman are outside its jurisdiction.
Code Sports has also been told the international governing body didn’t see anything in the claims to investigate and deemed it a domestic issue, hence referring the investigation to Basketball Australia.
Basketball Australia chairman John Carey has also sent a letter to Crest to confirm the national body is investigating their claims against Kestelman.
Carey also reinforced that BA is the appropriate channel to voice concerns with the NBL.
The battle between the two billionaire owners will be decided in the courts after Novelly filed a claim with the Supreme Court over concerns about how the NBL is run. The first hearing is next week.
Crest alleges the NBL has breached its licence agreement by failing to disclose third-party transactions to companies owned by Kestelman.
Egger – in his letter to the clubs - said FIBA had asked Basketball Australia to resolve the allegations.
He believed Basketball Australia had conflicts of interest with Kestelman via his ownership of the WNBL and other partnerships, but hoped the body would properly investigate the allegations.
“We know Basketball Australia is focused on ensuring the success and integrity of the game in Australia,” Egger said.
“We intend to engage with Basketball Australia to understand how it will ensure any investigation is conducted in a thorough, transparent and independent manner.”
It’s understood the Hawks have also breached their license agreement by contacting FIBA about their grievances instead of Basketball Australia.
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Originally published as FIBA has opted out of disgruntled Illawarra Hawks owner’s fight with NBL
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