Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann said the current trend of having too many naturalized players is something the SEAG Committee has to discuss.

PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann (PSC photo)

“It’s something that the Committee handling the SEAG has to think about,” said Bachmann.

“Kumbaga, it went overboard already. If it’s not allowed in the Asian Games or the Olympics, then why is the SEAG allowing it. So hopefully the Committee, whoever is the member, ayusin naman. Sobra-sobra na,” Bachmann said.

While the country has a lone naturalized player in dribbler Justin Brownlee, Team Philippines didn’t have as many as compared to Cambodia.

“Some of the comments from social media, parang we know the rules, okay pala, so bakit hindi ginawa. For me, it’s not ethical naman. Parang, kawawa naman yung mga Pinoy. They’re supposed to represent the country,” said Bachmann.

“That’s the easy way eh (get naturalized players), but we’d rather do the right way,” he added.

Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines (ABAP) secretary general Marcus Manalo echoed the same sentiment, but said that if the rule is not violated, then member nations have no choice but to accept it.

The Cambodian boxing squad has fielded two naturalized pugs Anvar Nasredinov and Abdulla Rajapov from Uzbekistan in the heavier weight class, with Nasredinov currently fighting John Marvin in the men’s -80kg semifinal at press time.

“Siguro at some point, the SEAG Federation has to decide on what’s really best for the sport and the athletes moving forward. Kasi it can be problematic. If everything will just be winning at all cost, then why are we here in the first place,” Manalo said.