British Basketball Federation: Sanction Updates

An Independent Appeals Panel has rejected an appeal lodged by Super League Basketball Ltd. (SLB), following a ruling that they committed multiple breaches of FIBA (International Federation) Regulation 1.38, when they flew in referees from Canada without authorisation from the Canadian or British Federations. 

The Canadian referees oversaw five games involving the Sheffield Sharks, after British officials refused to attend their games as a result of allegations made publicly by the Sharks’ owner and then Interim Chair of the League. The Appeals Panel was chaired by Mr Ian Whitehurst, Barrister. As well as confirming the initial findings, the Appeals Panel endorsed the Disciplinary Hearing’s imposition of a financial sanction for what were considered serious breaches of the FIBA Regulations. A detailed report will be issued by the Appeals Panel in the next 10 days to the SLB and FIBA. 

The identified breaches of Article 1.38 are as follows: 

• Newcastle Eagles v Sheffield Sharks 28/3/25 

• Sheffield Sharks v Newcastle Eagles, 30/3/25 

• Sheffield Sharks v Caledonia Gladiators, 2/4/25 

• Sheffield Sharks v Bristol Flyers, 6/4/25 

• Bristol Flyers v Sheffield Sharks 8/4/25 

Super League Basketball Ltd. have the right of further appeal to FIBA. 

A Disciplinary Panel has found the former Interim Chair of Super League Basketball Ltd (SLB) and owner of the Sheffield Sharks, Mr Vaughn Millette, guilty of bringing basketball into disrepute by using social media to make serious unfounded allegations. 

The independent panel, chaired by Ms Catherine Forshaw, Solicitor, heard evidence that Mr Millette’s actions had caused severe distress and prompted a strike by British officials which led to the postponement of games. 

Mr Millette has been fined and is required to attend an education course (approved by the BBF) on the appropriate use of social media and online safety. The cost of the course is to be paid by Mr Millette and is to be completed within 3 months.

Mr Millette has 14 days to register an appeal.