Serbia’s Ivana Raca shoots under the pressure of Mali’s Sika Kone (L) during the Women’s Basketball World Cup group B game between Serbia and Mali in Sydney on September 26, 2022 (Photo by BRENDON THORNE / AFP)
SYDNEY— The International Basketball Federation (Fiba) launched an investigation on Tuesday after two Mali players were filmed fighting with each other after their team were eliminated from the Women’s World Cup.
The incident took place after Mali lost 81-68 to Serbia in its Group B clash in Sydney on Monday – its fourth straight defeat at the tournament.
The fight between Salimatou Kourouma and Kamite Elisabeth Dabou broke out as Serbia’s Sasa Cado was being interviewed in the mixed zone.
Kourouma was seen throwing punches at Dabou before other Mali players ran in to break the pair apart in front of a visibly shocked Cado.
“FIBA acknowledged today that there was an altercation between Mali players in the mixed zone following the Group B game Serbia-Mali at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022,” FIBA said in a statement.
“Following the incident, FIBA has opened an investigation. Once the investigation is concluded, FIBA will decide on any applicable disciplinary measures.”
A vicious brawl has broken out between teammates after Mali lost to Serbia at the Women's World Cup.
FIBA will launch an investigation into the scuffle that spilled into the press area today. pic.twitter.com/ZNZQ6XtaSn
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) September 27, 2022
Mali is bottom of Group B with four points from four games and finish is campaign against Canada later on Tuesday.
They qualified for the tournament after African champions Nigeria pulled out citing administrative difficulties around the sport in its country.