Basketball world governing body apologises to China after calling win over Japan ‘sneaky’
Use of the word on Fiba’s social media posts after World Cup qualifier sparks anger, leading to changes and an official apology
The International Basketball Federation (Fiba) has apologised to China’s national team and their fans after describing their victory over Japan as “a sneaky win” on social media.
China came from behind to beat hosts Japan 87-80 in their Fiba Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers match on Thursday in Okinawa, overturning a 14-point deficit in the second half.
After the game, the sport’s governing body posted the result on its official social media platforms with the caption: “Drama in Okinawa. China with a sneaky win over Japan.”
The word “sneaky”, which can carry a negative or disrespectful connotation, immediately sparked anger among Chinese fans, who flooded the comments sections.
“Who are you calling sneaky? You should know yourself better,” one user wrote. Another added: “This was not a sneaky win, China earned it fair and square.”
Others pointed to disputed fourth-quarter calls, saying “the referee decisions were the real problem”, noting that “China were called for eight fouls in the final five minutes, Japan only two”.