Two Singapore basketball club players handed lifetime FIBA bans over match manipulation

Singapore basketball faces a significant blow as two players from the Singapore Adroit club, Oleksandr Kolchenko and Sergii Pryimak, have been handed lifetime bans by the sport's global governing body, FIBA, for match manipulation. The bans, imposed on May 20, prohibit the players from participating in any FIBA-related activities, either as players or in any other capacity.

“

severely undermined the principles of fair play and impacted the reputation of Singapore basketball

The players were found guilty of manipulating a Singapore Adroit game against New Taipei Kings International. Kolchenko was also implicated in manipulating the club's game against Hi Tech Club during the Champions League East Asia in May 2025. These actions have severely undermined the principles of fair play and damaged the reputation of Singapore basketball, according to the Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS).

The BAS stated that it takes these "unacceptable" actions very seriously, aligning with FIBA's firm stance against match-fixing. "Clubs and athletes representing Singapore basketball are expected to uphold the highest standards of fair play and the integrity of the sport," the association said. It affirmed a strict zero-tolerance policy and vowed to continue monitoring all sanctioned tournaments and events.

“

Clubs and athletes representing Singapore basketball are expected to uphold the highest standards of fair play and the integrity of the sport.

This incident follows a broader crackdown on match-fixing in Singapore. Last year, nine individuals were arrested for suspected involvement in fixing matches in the K. Star National Basketball League Division 1. Some of these individuals were players from teams participating in the 2025 edition of the competition. Those under investigation at the time were suspended from official basketball activities.

“

This lifetime ban applies to BAS’ activities as well