Basketball Flanders chief executive admits to 3x3 men's basketball team committing fraud

The chief executive of Basketball Flanders is under intense pressure to resign after it emerged he was aware of fraudulent activity by the Belgian 3x3 basketball team that helped it qualify for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

An internal report suggests the organisation’s top executive knew about the scheme before the Olympics but he had previously denied any knowledge, De Standaard reports.

In 2019, members of the Belgian 3x3 squad entered 27 fake tournaments on the international federation’s website to boost ranking points and secure Olympic qualifying. Three players and a federation employee have since been convicted for fraud and related offences, including document falsification.

Documents seen by investigators show that Basketball Vlaanderen CEO Koen Umans circulated a memo in April 2021 acknowledging the existence of the fake tournaments, months before the Olympics, despite publicly denying he knew of the wrongdoing at the time.

Flemish politicians across the political spectrum have called for Umans to step down, saying his continued leadership violates the sport’s ethical code and undermines trust in Belgian basketball and sports.

Belgian sport minister Annick De Ridder (N-VA) commissioned an audit ahead of the European 3x3 Championships in Antwerp this year, which warned of “serious risks” if staff and players connected with the controversy remained in key positions. The federation has submitted feedback to the minister and discussions on next steps are ongoing.

Photo: ©Basketbal.Vlaanderen