Sydney (AFP)
Two players from the Mali team participating in the Women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney apologized after a clash between them, while the International Game Federation “FIBA” opened an investigation into the incident.
The incident took place in the post-match mixed media interview area and was caught on camera interviewing Serbian Sacha Kadu after her country’s 81-68 victory over Mali.
A short video clip that has since been widely viewed on the Internet showed Selimato Koroma delivering at least three punches to her colleague Kamiti Elizabeth Dabo. The rest of the players on the team intervened to put an end to the quarrel.
The two players appeared at a press conference on Tuesday after Mali lost the last match of the tournament to Canada 65-88, where they apologized.
“We’re here to apologize for the photo that was on social media, it wasn’t our intention,” said Dabo, who sat next to her colleague.
“We have been frustrated by the loss and are here to apologize to the World Cup family and to express our apologies,” he added.
The International Federation said it was investigating the incident and, once completed, “would decide on any disciplinary measures”.
Coach Joaquin Brizuela described the fight as an “unfortunate accident”, adding: “They are two of our key players and although it was an unfortunate accident, they were hoping to play basketball at a higher level and they proved it today.”
“We have learned a lot from this tournament,” he concluded.
Mali have failed to win any of their five matches after qualifying for the World Cup for a second time as a late substitute for Nigeria, who withdrew due to sport-related administrative difficulties in their country.
–
