The French Basketball Federation has punished AS Monaco for signing contracts with an unlicensed agent. Star guard Mike James has been given a suspended ban.
The French Basketball Federation (FFBB) has imposed harsh sanctions on AS Monaco and Mike James. The reason: an unlicensed player agent was used in contract negotiations for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons. The verdict: a fine of €100,000 for the club – half of which is suspended – and a one-month suspended ban for James.
James remains eligible to play – for now
As Mike James’ suspension was only handed down on probation, the American will not miss any games at this time. The guard is once again one of the top performers this season: In the French league, he is averaging 15.6 points, 4.6 assists and a Performance Index Rating (PIR) of 14.7. In the EuroLeague, he is averaging 15.8 points, 5.7 assists and a PIR of 17.1 in just under 29 minutes of playing time.
Repeated violations by Monaco
This is not the first sanction against the Monegasques: in October 2024, AS Monaco was fined €18,500 for fielding ineligible players in test matches. Previously, the club had to pay €20,000 because details of James’ contract had not been disclosed in full.
Club president Oleksiy Yefimov has now also been officially warned. Despite the turmoil, Monaco will soon have to focus on sporting matters again: a tough playoff clash with FC Barcelona awaits in the EuroLeague.
