Taiwan Basketball Association Faces Financial Woes Amid Mismanagement Allegations

The Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA) is reportedly facing significant financial difficulties, with recent media reports alleging that only approximately NT$3 million remains in usable funds. This situation has prompted calls for an investigation by legislators.

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To say there's a deficit, I looked at it, we were responsible for ensuring each year was sufficient.

Former CTBA chairman Hsieh Tien-lin has publicly addressed the allegations, denying any personal mismanagement or misappropriation of funds during his leadership, which concluded in June. He asserted that the reported financial shortfall is a result of accumulated deficits over many years and not attributable to his tenure. Hsieh emphasized that the association's funds were not touched and that board members have consistently provided financial support through donations.

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You want to talk about deficits, because that's what I see, we are responsible for ensuring each year is sufficient.

Hsieh explained that the CTBA has been under pressure from both reduced government subsidies and increased expenses related to international competitions. He cited an example where the cost of flights for the national team to the Asian Cup, which was relocated from Iran to Saudi Arabia, rose significantly. The cost per player for business class tickets increased from NT$70,000 to NT$270,000, requiring the association to raise an additional NT$200,000 per player, funds not fully covered by existing subsidies.

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Originally it was 70,000 for economy class, then we promised the players it would be 270,000 (business class), so each player was an additional 200,000, we had to raise it ourselves.

He stressed that the CTBA's current activities, including supporting national teams in international competitions, rely heavily on the logistical support provided by the board. Hsieh reiterated that the funds within the association were never personally accessed or misused, stating, "The accounts have been carried forward from the past. We haven't touched the money inside, to be honest, we haven't touched it."

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The accounts have been carried forward from the past. We haven't touched the money inside, to be honest, we haven't touched it.