EASL Issues Disciplinary Ruling On Meralco Bolts

EASL fines Meralco, gives notice on lineup incident

EASL Gives Meralco Bolts Notice On Lineup Incident | Dec. 1, 2025

HONG KONG — The East Asia Super League confirms that the Meralco Bolts organization fielded four non-local players on the court simultaneously during portions of its November 8, 2025, game against the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots at The Capital Arena in Ilagan City, Philippines, exceeding the maximum of three permitted under the “2025–26 Competition Regulations.” This did not have a significant effect on the game’s outcome, so the final score remains unchanged.

Meralco’s conduct violated this policy, which is intended to promote fair play among all participating partner teams across all groups and the postseason during EASL’s 2025–26 season.

EASL has formally raised the matter with FIBA Asia’s referee department, requesting a detailed review and the implementation of stronger preventive and monitoring measures to ensure similar incidents do not occur in future games. Ensuring fair play and consistent game operations remains a league priority.

Meralco Bolts Fined | Dec. 1, 2025

HONG KONG — The East Asia Super League announced today that the Meralco Bolts organization has been fined USD 7,000 for violations of league policy. The violations occurred in the days leading up to, and on, gameday between the Meralco Bolts and the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots on November 2, 2025, at Taoyuan Arena in Chinese Taipei.

A member of the Meralco Bolts failed to comply with EASL’s requirement for every team to meet pregame and postgame media obligations, citing unreasonable excuses and therefore breaking the league’s “Media Operations Policy,” resulting in a fine of USD 2,000.

On gameday, Meralco Bolts head coach Nenad Vucinic delivered a series of unsportsmanlike gestures, violating the league’s “Unsportsmanlike Conduct and Offensive Gestures Policy,” resulting in a fine of USD 5,000.

These policies were put in place ahead of the 2025–26 season, were shared with and agreed upon by participating leagues and teams, and are intended to promote promotional content and fair play throughout EASL’s season.