By Emily Goddard

Basketball Australia has been cleared of violating FIBA's internal regulations ©FIBAAustralia has been cleared of violating International Basketball Federation (FIBA) regulations after an investigation ruled that the nation had not deliberately lost a match at this year's World Cup.

The sport's world governing body launched an inquiry following Australia's 91-83 Group D loss to Angola at the tournament in Gran Canaria, Spain, in September.

FIBA had said the "on-court behaviour displayed by Australia in that game generated huge disappointment by basketball fans and experts", and alleged that the loss had raised suspicions that it had been deliberate in order to avoid having to face reigning world and Olympic champions the United States until the semi-finals.

Australia, which rejected the claims of wrongdoing, subsequently lost 65-64 to Turkey in a last 16 clash.

The investigation consisted of footage of the game and reports by the supervising commissioner and experts, along with a letter from Basketball Australia's chair Scott Derwin.

The case was discussed at FIBA's Executive Committee meeting this week, where it was concluded that Australia did not violate any FIBA internal regulations.

"We are very happy to announce that our investigation has cleared Australia of violating the internal regulations," FIBA secretary general and International Olympic Committee member Patrick Baumann said.

"As one of our most active national member federations across men's, women's and youth basketball, we know we can count on Basketball Australia to wholeheartedly endorse the principles of fair play and ethical behaviour outlined in FIBA's Code of Conduct and Fair Play."

FIBA did, however, warn that it "will not tolerate or condone any behaviour or conduct by federations, players, coaches or the like that would result in the manipulation of results of games that could tarnish the image of basketball".

It insisted that it will not hesitate to take the "strongest possible action" in such circumstances, which could include suspensions, substantial fines, reprimands or warnings.

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