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This significant step was taken by the global governing body of basketball, FIBA, which also imposed sanctions on four other former coaches and officials implicated in the scandal.
Amadou Bamba, the former coach of Mali's junior women's basketball team, has been handed a lifetime ban from the sport following a thorough investigation into allegations of systemic sexual harassment within the Mali Basketball Federation (FMBB).
This significant step was taken by the global governing body of basketball, FIBA, which also imposed sanctions on four other former coaches and officials implicated in the scandal.
The investigation conducted by FIBA revealed disturbing evidence of misconduct within the FMBB, leading to a range of suspensions.
Harouna Maiga, the former president of FMBB, has received an eight-year ban, while Seydou Maiga, the former secretary general, has been suspended for six years.
Amadou Traore, a former FMBB vice president, and former assistant coach Fatoumata Diallo have received four and two-year suspensions, respectively.
All individuals implicated will be required to undergo Fiba-approved safeguarding training before they can be reconsidered for participation in the sport.
The disciplinary actions taken by FIBA began in June 2021, when provisional suspensions were initially imposed on 10 individuals following the receipt of abuse allegations.
During this time, FIBA's president, Hamane Niang, who hails from Mali and previously served as FMBB president, temporarily stepped aside from his position.
He resumed his duties three months later after being cleared of any involvement in the reported abuses.
An independent report commissioned by Fiba and published in September 2021 confirmed the existence of sexual abuse within the FMBB, spanning several decades.
The report described the testimony provided by some officials as evasive, contradictory, and untruthful, revealing a negligent attitude towards the pervasive issue of sexual abuse and harassment within the federation.
It characterized the situation as an institutionalized system of misconduct that had been perpetuated and concealed over time.
In addition to the bans imposed on Wednesday, Fiba has prioritized the development of safeguarding policies, resources, and educational initiatives aimed at enhancing the protection of vulnerable individuals within Mali's basketball landscape.
The establishment of the FIBA Safeguarding Council has been approved, with Prince Feisal Al Hussein, president of Jordan's Olympic Committee, appointed as its chairman.
The disturbing revelations in Mali's basketball community shed light on a broader issue affecting African nations.
In September 2021, the BBC reported on an investigation conducted by international campaign group Human Rights Watch, uncovering similar problems of sexual abuse within the sport in Kenya.
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