SBP requests clarity regarding eligibility rules in SEA Games

With the opening of the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games looming just weeks away, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is calling on organizers for clear guidance on eligibility rules after recent rule updates sowed confusion across Southeast Asia.

SBP executive director Erika Dy told reporters the federation, along with other national basketball bodies in ASEAN, had collectively requested a meeting with the SEA Games Organizing Committee in Thailand, scheduled for November 26, aiming to settle outstanding questions before final rosters are locked.

The controversy stems from a recently circulated version of the event handbook.

Under an earlier draft, the Games were to employ a “passport-only” rule,  meaning an athlete’s national passport alone, regardless of foreign heritage, determined their eligibility.

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SBP executive director Erika Dy assures that Gilas Men will be ready for the #SEAGames2025 despite the confusing eligibility rules set by the organizers 🇵🇭 🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/4wyyAQqi7G

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However, the updated handbook reportedly prohibits all naturalized players, a provision that has triggered alarm among federations that had already mapped out their rosters.

“There were two different paragraphs. One paragraph discussed FIBA rules, while the other paragraph focused solely on passports. So, naka-black and white na ‘yan,” Dy said.

According to SBP sources, even a virtual meeting with representatives from the Thai national basketball body and the regional office of FIBA Asia failed to resolve the discord.

“Some didn’t agree on how to interpret the rule,” she said.

As a result, several players initially shortlisted for the national team have had to be dropped or replaced due to ongoing uncertainty.

Among those affected is veteran import Justin Brownlee, whose inclusion remains in limbo as SBP continues to await formal word from the Thai organizers.

Despite the turbulence, SBP says it’s preparing for any outcome. Dy stated the federation already submitted an alternate lineup, a “Plan B”,  in case the new rules hold, adding that an absence of objections by November 26 would signal approval.

“Our hands are tied. But we hope for clarity so we know exactly whom we can field,” Dy said.

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