Bamako, Sep 14 (EFE) .- An independent report commissioned by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) concludes that there is no evidence that the organization’s president, the Malian Hamane Niang, was involved in a sex scandal that emerged in the federation from that African country.
This is what the FIBA says in a statement issued this Tuesday on the complaints filed in June against the Mali Basketball Federation (FMBB) for alleged abuse of players by its members and after an independent investigation led by the prestigious professor Richard McLaren.
Following complaints filed in June, Niang stepped down from his post pending the conclusion of the investigation and FIBA decided to suspend then-FMBB president Harouna Maiga, coaches Amadou Bamba and Oumar Sissoko and official Hario Maiga.
Now, once the report is completed, FIBA affirms that it will suspend three other members of the Malian federation, pending the opening of a sanctioning file.
These are the vice-president of the FMBB, Amadou Traoré, its general secretary, Seydou Maiga, and the coach Fanta Diallou, on whom the competent bodies of the FIBA, the statement adds, “will make more decisions in due course.”
Regarding President Niang, the statement states that the independent report “does not provide any evidence to support the allegations” that he “knew or should have been aware of the sexual abuse committed within the Mali Basketball Federation.”
In this regard, according to a statement quoted by FIBA, Niang affirms his “personal and unconditional support for the victims.” “These infractions must be duly prosecuted by FIBA in independent procedures. My innocence has been confirmed, now I will resume my official duties with FIBA,” adds Niang.
Likewise, FIBA announces that in the coming months it will implement various measures to combat harassment in Malian basketball, such as the continuous protection of victims and the training of coaches, doctors and supervisors of the FMBB.
“FIBA reiterates its firm position against harassment and abuse in basketball and expresses its sincere support for the victims of such behavior,” says the world’s highest basketball body.