Liga ACB assisting with Andy Panko and Marcus Slaughter allegations

The Liga ACB said it will continue to collaborate fully with all parties in an investigation into allegations that two American basketball players used fake passports.

Former Real Madrid player Marcus Slaughter and ex-Fuenlabrada man Andy Panko are alleged to have used documents issued by Equatorial Guinea with the same passport number during their time in Spain.

Liga ACB sides are only able to register two overseas players, but given Equatorial Guinea is a former colony of Spain players from the African nation would not fill one of those spots.

Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia reported on Monday that the Spanish ambassador to Equatorial Guinea had written to a judge who is investigating the case stating the passports were created using false documents.

And the Liga ACB vowed to assist in any way it can.

A statement from the organisation read: "After the information that was published today in the media about the alleged irregularity of the passports of Marcus Slaughter and Andy Panko, the association of clubs want to state the following:

"1. ACB has decided to be present in the legal procedures in order to take all the necessary action that will allow protection of its legal interests.

"2. ACB will send the official data to an independent judge of the federation so that, if necessary, he will decide on possible disciplinary proceedings as appropriate.

"3. ACB expressed the firm commitment of the organisation in favour of fair play, sports values and will collaborate with everyone that is necessary in order to clarify the facts."

Slaughter agreed a move to Turkish side Darussafaka Dogus last September, while now plays for French side Nancy.

Real won a Euroleague, Liga ACB and Copa del Rey treble last year and their arch-rivals Barcelona expressed their "surprise and concern" over the latest allegations.

Barca have requested permission to be represented in court for the case as an "aggrieved party" and said there should be very serious sporting consequences if any wrongdoing is proven.