BBF announcement: Laurent Irish fined and suspended for betting offences
London Lions assistant coach Mr Laurent Irish has been fined £10,000 for betting offences in relation to basketball matches and suspended from coaching in the current season.
The British Basketball Federation, in conjunction with FIBA, were engaged with the Gambling Commission Sports Betting Intelligence Unit and the GB betting industry, in a detailed investigation, led by FIBA’s Integrity Officer, Professor Richard McLaren.
The incidents took place between August 2020 and February 2021 and involved betting on basketball matches and competitions world wide.
This is in contravention of the FIBA Code of Conduct, as detailed at the time of the offences.
Following communication with Mr Irish, a Disciplinary Panel reviewed all information available and issued the following sanctions under the BBF/FIBA Regulations:
- A fine of £10,000.
- Suspension from coaching in the BBL/WBBL for the current season.
- Completion of appropriate awareness training relating to betting in sport.
Mr Irish has been afforded the opportunity to appeal.
FIBA, as the World Governing body, has the right to impose further sanctions under its regulations.
FIBA, the British Basketball Federation, its members, namely Basketball England, Basketball Scotland and Basketball Wales, as well as the BBL and WBBL, the Professional Leagues, are jointly committed to a zero tolerance to betting and corruption in basketball in Great Britain.