China's basketball governing body has admitted that poor management of the home league is the reason behind its youth team's humiliating walkout in Iran on Sunday.

The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) accepted the penalty of the Asian Basketball Association (ABA) after its junior squad forfeited the game against Syria at the Asian Under-18 Championships in Iran.

"Our coaches might have some misunderstandings about international rules, but it also reflects problems of management and regulation at all levels of basketball competition back home," a CBA statement said.