L’organizzatore di basket 3×3 Nick Celis ottiene il servizio alla comunità e una multa in un caso di frode

The 3×3 Lions captured the hearts of Belgian sports fans more than three years ago. At the Tokyo Games, they only just missed out on a bronze medal. But a few weeks later, that surprising achievement was given a black edge by revelations in De Standaard.

In 2019, the participation of the 3×3 Lions in international competitions was rigged, the public prosecutor’s office reported. For instance, 27 fictitious tournaments were entered on the website of the international basketball federation FIBA.

By participating in these phantom competitions, Belgium amassed enough points to enter the Olympic qualifying matches.

During the investigation, it also came to light that 5 players had falsified corona certificates in order to facilitate participation in tournaments.

Basketball Flanders suspended 2 players: Thierry Mariën and 3×3 owner Nick Celis. One player (Anthony Chada) had to spend 18 months on the penalty bench. Penalties that were later also adopted by the international basketball federation FIBA.

**Working sentences for defendants**

Before the correctional court in Antwerp, they were also prosecuted for fraud and forgery.

Celis pleaded guilty and received a 240-hour community service sentence and an 8,000-euro fine, half of which was suspended. Three other defendants also received community service.

In Mariën’s case, it is 150 hours and a fine of 6,400 euros, half of which is suspended. Chada was given 150 hours of community service and a 2,400-euro fine, all with a reprieve. The relevant employee of Basketball Flanders received the same punishment as Celis.

The request for suspension of sentence was not accepted, meaning that the sanctions will therefore go on their record.

Jo De Meester, Nick Celis’ counsel, was sparse in his comments. ‘Nick made mistakes in his youthful enthusiasm. He is embarrassed about it and only realised the impact afterwards.’

‘We will read the verdict carefully and discuss it. It would not be prudent to make any further statements today, including about the suspension not coming. But it will certainly be a relief that there is a verdict.’

**No compensation for Basketball Flanders**

As for the request for damages, Basketball Flanders is fishing behind the net. The court states that they were aware of the facts and that the damage was self-inflicted.

According to the court, the BOIC itself suffered damages worth more than €26,000, a sum to be paid by the four main defendants.

The Hungarian federation and players, who declared themselves sporting dupe of the tampering, were also vindicated. An expert will have to determine their damages.

Hungary itself spoke of an amount of up to €50 million in a possible Olympic title, but that sum of money is not realistic. The court speaks of ‘missing a limited chance of qualification’.

‘The court recognises the damage and the lost chance of the Games,’ states the Hungarian side’s Belgian lawyer. ‘An expert must now check the damage.’

‘Money will never replace the players’ childhood dream, but it will be a recognition for them. That a report talks about millions of euros in damages? A defendant put his career as a notary on the line to go to the Games. That more than proves the value of qualifying for the Games.’

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> The court states that they were aware of the facts and that the damage was self-inflicted.

Does anyone have more info on this for Basket Vlaanderen? Because that looks pretty fucked.