The world’s governing body for basketball FIBA is set to investigate Andrew Bogut after the 34-year-old center appeared to suggest that referees favored Spain in Australia’s semi-final defeat at the World Cup.
In an Agence France-Presse (AFP) report, the Australian center was seen rubbing his fingers in a money gesture after a foul was called against him during Friday’s demoralizing double-overtime loss in Beijing.
As he walked off the court, Bogut reportedly swore at FIBA officials as he passed through the “mixed zone” where journalists for post-game interviews with players.
FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis said Bogut will be asked to explain his actions.
“It’s not an easy task for them to withhold their emotions when they go through the mixed zone,” Zagklis said a press conference in Beijing just before the bronze-medal match and the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday.
“At the same time, we do have a very specific set of regulations and we do have a specific set of principles and values that we represent not only as FIBA but also the sport of basketball,” Zagklis said.
“So where these lines are crossed, then we have disciplinary procedures, and in this case there will be a disciplinary procedure,” the top FIBA official added.
