By Uzor Odigbo
The Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) has clamped down heavily on the Malian Basketball authorities following sexual assaults levied against some of them.
Since the summer of 2021, the Malian Federation has been at the centre of a sexual abuse scandal following an investigative article in the New York Times about the abuse of minors in Malian basketball.
A young player accused the coach of Mali’s U19 national team, Amadou Bamba, of systematic sexual harassment. FIBA opened disciplinary proceedings against several members of the FMBB.
After a two-year investigation, the world basketball body has published its sanctions in a press release.
Amadou Bamba (former coach of the Mali national team): suspended for life from holding a position or participating in any FIBA or FIBA-related activity, in addition to a fine of CHF 80,000.
Harouna Maiga (former President FMBB): suspended for eight years from holding office or participating in any FIBA or FIBA-related activity, in addition to a fine of CHF 20,000.
Seydou Maiga (former Secretary General of the FMBB): six-year suspension from holding office or participating in any FIBA or FIBA-related activity, in addition to a fine of CHF 10,000.
Amadou Traoré (former 1st Vice-President of the FMBB): four-year suspension from holding office or participating in any FIBA or FIBA-related activity, in addition to a fine of CHF 5,000.
Fatoumata Diallo (former Assistant Coach of the Mali national team): two-year suspension from holding a position or participating in any FIBA or FIBA-related activity”, the release stated