Following a thorough investigation into allegations of systemic sexual harassment within the Mali Basketball Federation (FMBB), an independent report revealed a shocking pattern of sexual abuse, harassment, and cover-ups that had been perpetuated for decades within the federation.
As a result, the former coach of Mali’s junior women’s basketball team, Amadou Bamba, has been issued a lifetime ban from the sport. This disciplinary action is part of the sanctions imposed by Fiba, the global governing body of basketball, which has also penalized four other former coaches and officials involved in the misconduct.
Harouna Maiga, the former president of FMBB, has been suspended for eight years, while Seydou Maiga, the former secretary general, has received a six-year suspension. Amadou Traore, a former FMBB vice president, and former assistant coach Fatoumata Diallo have been given four and two-year suspensions, respectively.
Before being allowed to participate in the sport again, all individuals involved must complete Fiba-approved safeguarding training, demonstrating their commitment to preventing future abuses.
This disciplinary action comes after Fiba initially issued provisional suspensions to ten individuals in June 2021 when the allegations of abuse first surfaced. Hamane Niang, Fiba’s president and former FMBB president, voluntarily stepped aside temporarily during the investigation but resumed his position after being cleared of any wrongdoing.
The independent report commissioned by Fiba and published in September 2021 not only confirmed the existence of sexual abuse within the FMBB but also criticized the evasive and contradictory testimony provided by certain officials. It condemned the FMBB for its long-standing negligence and its role in fostering an institutionalized culture of sexual abuse, harassment, and cover-ups.
Apart from the disciplinary measures imposed, Fiba has focused its efforts on developing safeguarding policies, resources, and education to improve the protection of vulnerable individuals within the basketball landscape in Mali. To oversee these initiatives, the Fiba Safeguarding Council has been established, with Prince Feisal Al Hussein, president of Jordan’s Olympic Committee, appointed as its chairman.
Regrettably, Mali is not the only African nation grappling with allegations of sexual abuse within basketball. In September 2021, the BBC reported on a Human Rights Watch investigation uncovering similar problems in the sport in Kenya.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Basketball abuse investigation
What was the outcome of the investigation into the Mali basketball abuse allegations?
Following the investigation, the former coach of Mali’s junior women’s basketball team, Amadou Bamba, received a lifetime ban from the sport. Additionally, four other former coaches and officials were sanctioned with suspensions of varying lengths. The Mali Basketball Federation was found to have been negligent for decades in an institutionalized system of sexual abuse and harassment.
What actions did Fiba take in response to the abuse allegations?
Fiba, the global governing body of basketball, initiated disciplinary actions against ten individuals involved in the abuse allegations. Provisional suspensions were initially imposed, and later, after the investigation, sanctions were issued, including lifetime bans, multi-year suspensions, and the requirement for all parties to undergo Fiba-approved safeguarding training.
What steps were taken to address the issue of sexual abuse within Mali basketball?
In addition to the disciplinary measures, Fiba focused on developing safeguarding policies, resources, and education to enhance the protection of vulnerable individuals within the Mali basketball landscape. The establishment of the Fiba Safeguarding Council, with Prince Feisal Al Hussein as its chairman, was also approved to oversee these efforts.
Were there similar allegations of sexual abuse in other African nations’ basketball programs?
Yes, there have been allegations of sexual abuse within basketball programs in other African nations. The text mentions a Human Rights Watch investigation into similar problems in the sport in Kenya. These allegations highlight the need for continued vigilance and efforts to address misconduct within the basketball community.
