The owner of the world basketball club has been accused of closing his eyes in Mali

Published: 14/06/2021 – 17:03

Hamane Nyang, president of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), stepped down just days before the Olympic tournament in Tokyo. The accused is a former owner of the African Confederation (FIBA Africa, 2014 to 2019) and former Minister of Sports of Mali (2007-2011), In an article from New York Times, For keeping an eye out for acts of sexual harassment in Malian basketball while he was leading the federation.

The article, published on June 14, 2021, states: qu’Hamane Niang « Malian led the Confederation during the systemic exploitation of female athletes », Citing evidence collected by local activists. ” Niang, 69, has not been charged with sexual harassment. Critics say he largely ignored attacks on women for a dozen years when he was president of the Malian Basketball Federation between 1999 and 2011 and later the country’s sports minister. », Continues New York Times.

The survey, led by Romain Molina and Jerry Longman, goes on to say: “ In interviews Times In recent months, Malian players have described Niang as failing to take action and, in some cases, attending when things happen. »

Three people have been suspended by FIBA

For its part, FIBA ​​responded By press release : The authors of the article argue that the president of FIBA ​​should have been aware of this sexual harassment, especially during his tenure as head of the Federation of Malian Basketball, from 1999 to 2007. The FIBA ​​president, who has strongly denied the allegations, said in a statement that he had decided to step down. He also gave his full cooperation. »

International Basketball Federation informs three people ” Suspended from all FIBA ​​activities for the duration of the investigation: Coach Amadou Bamba, Coach Umar Mar Sissoko and Official Hario Maiga “. The first two, the American newspaper was widely questioned, leading national teams from Mali, one of the best countries on the continent in youth categories.

« FIBA has zero tolerance for all forms of harassment and abuse and would like to express its heartfelt condolences to all those who have been subjected to such behavior., The company guarantees in its press release. FIBA takes the denunciation of such behavior seriously and makes it properly investigated. “Those in the Malian basketball file will look into this Richard McLaren, A renowned lawyer in the world of sports. The Canadian hopes to give the results of his investigation shortly after the Tokyo Olympics.