FIBA President resumes duties after sexual harassment scandal / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

FIBA President Hamane Niang stepped aside from his duties after a sexual harassment scandal when the Mali Basketball Federation made headlines in June.

The FIBA Integrity Officer came out with this statement when the news originally broke in June: "It is alleged that the FIBA President knew or should have known about the sexual abuses in the Mali Basketball Federation particularly during his time at the helm of that Federation from 1999 until 2007. The FIBA President, who strongly denies the allegations, has decided to temporarily step aside while the investigation is conducted."

However, after an investigation by FIBA, it was deemed that Niang did not know or should have known about the sexual abuses in the Mali Basketball Federation. Therefore, Niang will resume his presidential duties at FIBA.

Niang went on the record with the following statement after having his name cleared: "This investigation is of paramount importance, and I would like to express my personal and unconditional support to the victims. These offenses must be duly prosecuted by FIBA through independent procedures. Since the Integrity Officer has confirmed my innocence, I will now resume my official duties with FIBA."

Moreover, FIBA will be issued suspensions against three members of the Mali Basketball Federation, pending the opening of disciplinary proceedings: coach Fanta Diallou, Secretary General Seydou Maiga, and Vice President Amadou Traore.

They joined coach Amadou Bamba, coach Oumar Sissoko, official Hario Maiga, and President Harouna Maiga, who have been suspended in June.

Since that time, FIBA has taken measures to establish a safeguard and protection service for the U16 and U19 women’s teams from Mali.

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