FIBA clears Australia of tanking at World Cup

MIES, Switzerland — Basketball’s governing body has ruled that Australia did not deliberately lose a World Cup game to delay playing the United States.

FIBA secretary general Patrick Baumann says its investigation “cleared Australia of violating the internal regulations.”

Previously, FIBA said it “widely suspected” that Australia lost on purpose to Angola, 91-83, in a group match in Spain in September.

The loss meant Australia would avoid facing the eventual champion U.S. until the semifinals. Instead, Slovenia finished above Australia in the group and lost in the quarterfinals to the U.S.

Australia ended up losing to Turkey in the second round.

FIBA says it “can count on Basketball Australia to wholeheartedly endorse the principles of fair play and ethical behavior.”

FIBA says any future match manipulation can lead to “suspensions, substantial fines, reprimands or warnings.”