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Systemic sexual harassment uncovered in Mali, FIBA bans multiple people / News - Basketnews.com

nqajqrqw7months ago (05-17)Tennis Life201

Five people from the Malian Federation and the national team were banned for sexual harassment. FIBA has launched a protection service for the country's young players.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

A system of sexual harassment was uncovered in Mali both in the women's national team and in the country's basketball federation (FMBB). FIBA has announced severe punishments for the actions.

After allegations of possible misconduct were reported back in 2021, FIBA opened disciplinary proceedings while working together with local and international partners.

At least 100 players were abused across multiple years,The New York Times wrote. "They don't look at you as a basketball player, but as a piece of meat to have sex with," former player Aissata Tina Djibo said, who's now a sports reform activist.

One player was in a relationship with a coach during her teen years in hopes of advancing both financially and career-wise. When she became pregnant at just 16, the coach forced her to perform an abortion, activist Cheick Camara noted.

Human Rights Watch and other members of the Sports and Rights Alliance coalition have called to attention that the players who spoke out faced retaliation in Mali.

Two years after the initial allegations, FIBA announced its decision to ban five people for sexual harassment with penalties ranging from lifetime suspension to a several-year ban:

Amadou Bamba (former Mali National Team Coach): lifetime suspension from FIBA or FIBA-related activities, in addition to a CHF 80,000 fine. Harouna Maiga (former FMBB President): eight-year suspension from FIBA or FIBA-related activities, in addition to a CHF 20,000 fine. Seydou Maiga (former FMBB Secretary General): six-year suspension from FIBA or FIBA-related activities, in addition to a CHF 10,000 fine. Amadou Traore (former FMBB 1st Vice-President): four-year suspension from FIBA or FIBA-related activities, in addition to a CHF 5,000 fine. Fatoumata Diallo (former Mali National Team Assistant Coach): two-year suspension from FIBA or FIBA-related activities.

Bamba, who received lifetime punishment, was involved in a serious incident during the 2020 U18 African Championships. As documented by Human Rights Watch to FIBA:

"Bamba sexually assaulted a 17-year-old player on the team in her hotel room during a team trip. Bamba entered the player’s hotel room in the middle of the night and ‘made her touch certain parts on his body’ and 'put his hands underneath her underwear'. When she refused to have sex with Bamba, he significantly reduced her playing time on the team."

FIBA has launched a basketball safeguard and protection service for young players and other persons in vulnerable situations in Mali in cooperation with Fondation Terre des Hommes.

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