Khalifa crowned champions amidst turmoil and discord
Controversy reared its ugly head once again in the heat of the 1st Ilonggo Basketball League's Battle of Champions, held at the Passi City Arena, Iloilo. The drama unfolded when Team Khalifa was crowned champions—a decision not everyone was happy about.
Organizers, headed by Rolando Cunanan, accused Team RKF of fielding ineligible players for the championship game. Namely, ex-PBA player Marvin Hayes, Ced Ablasa, and MJ dela Vergin were flagged for not having completed the mandatory three games in the elimination round, as per the tournament rules, which had been agreed upon by all participating teams.
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This revelation led to the Ilonggo Sports and Events Management Services (ISEMS), the tournament organizer, declaring Team Khalifa the winners. RKF team owner, Ryan Keith Fio, didn't see it coming and voiced his displeasure, stating that ISEMS should have consulted him before making such a decision.
As of now, Team Khalifa hasn't received their promised P250,000 cash prize. ISEMS claimed that RKF, one of their major sponsors and a co-organizer of the tournament, had promised to handle the prizes, but they were apparently taken aback when the funds weren't forthcoming.
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This left Team Khalifa, led by headcoach Julius Cadavis, in a lurch. "We followed their rules. We didn't even demand anything because we were hesitant. And this is what happened to us," Cadavis said.
Both parties are currently working to iron out the issues, with RKF also attempting to settle other matters with ISEMS, such as ticket sales and other sponsorships.
For those craving more deets, diving into local newspapers, checking official league statements, or reaching out to league officials might shed some light on the situation. Better yet, join discussions in sports forums to learn about the latest updates.
- The controversy in the Ilonggo Basketball League's Battle of Champions, held in Iloilo, centered around Team Khalifa being crowned champions, a decision that left many dismayed.
- The Ilonggo Sports and Events Management Services (ISEMS) declared Team Khalifa the winners after alleging that Team RKF fielded ineligible players, specifically Marvin Hayes, Ced Ablasa, and MJ dela Vergin.
- Team RKF's owner, Ryan Keith Fio, was surprised by the decision and voiced his dissent, stating that ISEMS should have consulted him before making such a decision.
- Team Khalifa, led by headcoach Julius Cadavis, is yet to receive their promised cash prize of P250,000, as ISEMS claims RKF, one of their major sponsors, promised to handle the prizes but failed to come through on the funds.
- Both parties are currently working to resolve the issues, with RKF also attempting to settle other matters with ISEMS, such as ticket sales and other sponsorships, while NBA fans in Iloilo keep a close eye on the developments.
