Latest news with #FIBA
DW
2 hours ago
- Sport
- DW
Mali basketball whistleblower still fighting for justice – DW – 07/23/2025
A young basketball player is continuing to fight for justice four years after first speaking out about the sexual abuse of minors in Mali's women's national program. It is no small matter that Djelika "Mami" Tounkara has lost her anonymity. "I am afraid," Tounkara told DW. "Before my name went public, I had already received death threats. Now, I will need more protection, but I have never had any. So, even though I am afraid, I want to talk, to express myself because I want to protect others." Her name became public in a decision published by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in June, but her fight for justice began in 2021 when she rejected and then reported the sexual advances of her former head coach at the Malian Basketball Federation (FMBB). The coach was later charged, arrested and jailed in July 2021 for pedophilia, attempted rape and molestation of other victims. Shortly afterwards, the talented then-teenager lost her place in the squad for the U18/U19 World Cup in Hungary in August 2021, which she and her lawyers claim was direct retaliation for reporting abuse. "The federation (FMBB) tried to shut me up when I spoke up at the time," the now 21-year-old Tounkara said. "Even just for that, I didn't receive any support from FIBA (basketball's world governing body)." Tounkara also said that the threats made her feel that she had to leave the country for her own safety. Tounkara's decision to speak to DW came after yet another setback in her quest for FIBA to acknowledge the harm she has been subjected to for becoming a whistleblower. In its decision published last month, the CAS ruled it did not have jurisdiction to hear an appeal by Tounkara. Tounkara had turned to the CAS after years of seeking justice within numerous FIBA legal mechanisms as she sought remedy for opportunities denied to her. In August 2021, she filed a case with the FIBA Ethics Panel, claiming the FMBB had unfairly dropped her from the national team. A ruling was delayed by the deaths of three of the five members on the panel, leaving Tounkara the choice of either the two remaining members delivering a ruling or waiting until at least mid-2023 when new panel members would be appointed. Not wanting to wait, Tounkara took the decision to FIBA's Appeals Panel. It was after this was rejected in 2024, that her lawyers turned to CAS. "I'm disappointed that the CAS only focused on the technical details," she said. "FIBA still do not speak about my safety and the safety of the other girls in our country who were abused at the time. CAS believed me, but again they have not done anything to help me at the end." William Bock III, who signed on as one of Tounkara's lawyers in 2022, sees the CAS' decision to accept FIBA's request to rule the court does not have jurisdiction as a significant blow. "It's the most disappointing result I've ever had as a lawyer because of the enormity of the wrongs that 'Mami' has already experienced," Bock told DW. "We've spent four years trying to undo some of the harm that FIBA did by failing her and we're caught in their maze of internal legal processes that we may never get out of." This is because when the CAS ruled that it didn't have jurisdiction, it referred the case back to FIBA's Ethics Panel. Bock and Tounkara's other lawyers have worked pro bono for years seeking to remedy the opportunities they believe she was denied by not being allowed to participate in the 2021 U18/U19 World Cup. Her career was put on hold for over two years as the death threats she received in Mali confined her to her house and resulted in a significant deterioration of her mental health. "Mami's a young woman, but every year that goes by, she loses more of the opportunities that were taken away from her by not being able to participate at a very important point in her career," Bock said. "Especially in a world event that would have allowed her to be seen by scouts from the United States and around the world. She might have had a chance to have a much better basketball opportunity if FIBA had quickly realized that she was the subject of retaliation." Ahmar Maiga, the founder and executive director of the non-profit organization Young Players Protection Association in Africa – Mali (YPPA-Mali), was the first to report the abuse and remains skeptical about FIBA's genuine desire to help Tounkara. "She (Tounkara) spoke up and because of the truth, she paid a lot for that," Maiga said. "In her career and in her personal life. FIBA has always preferred business to safety. It is all about business and politics, and not about the safety of players." With the case being back at the FIBA Ethics Panel, there is no indication of when a decision on the player's appeal could be issued. Responding to a query from DW, FIBA simply confirmed that the CAS had referred the case back to the Ethics Panel. Despite being exhausted by the fight and in constant fear for her life, Tounkara remains resolute in continuing along her current path, not for the betterment of her life but for young girls hoping to follow their own basketball dreams in Mali. "I always hope for justice," she said. "For me, that justice would be a change that protects the youth and our little sisters in the future."
Observer
2 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
Al Siyabi leads FIBA U-18 final in China
MUSCAT: Omani international basketball referee Issam bin Nasser al Siyabi officiated the final match of the FIBA U-18 Women's Asia Cup held in China, which brought together the national teams of Australia and Japan. The match ended with an 88–79 victory for Australia, crowning them continental champions. The tournament took place from July 13 to 20 and featured top national teams from across Asia. Al Siyabi was selected to referee the final as a recognition of his outstanding performance throughout the tournament. He had previously officiated the semifinal between Australia and South Korea, as well as the quarterfinal match between Japan and New Zealand. During the group stage, he also officiated high-profile matches, including Lebanon vs. the Philippines, Korea vs. China, New Zealand vs. Korea, and Australia vs. the Philippines. With an extensive refereeing career at both regional and international levels, Al Siyabi has previously participated in the second round of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers held in Bahrain in 2020. He has also refereed in the finals of the Bahraini and Qatari leagues, Gulf championships for men, youth, and juniors, in addition to prominent tournaments such as the Dubai International Basketball Championship and the Shaikh Khalifa Cup in Bahrain. His experience underscores the competence and growing reputation of Omani officiating on the global stage. Commenting on the achievement, Al Siyabi expressed his pride, saying "officiating the final of a major tournament like the FIBA U-18 Women's Asia Cup is a very significant milestone in my refereeing career. I'm extremely proud to represent Oman at such a prestigious continental event. This achievement is the result of years of hard work and dedication across local, regional, and international competitions." "Refereeing in such tournaments demands a high level of focus and both physical and mental effort. The diverse experiences I've gained from Gulf, Arab, and international tournaments have helped me manage games with confidence and consistency." He added Al Siyabi concluded by thanking the Oman Basketball Association for its continuous support, as well as his fellow referees, noting that this participation will serve as a strong motivation to further develop his performance and continue representing Oman in more international championships.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee wins gold with Team USA
Texas Longhorns women's basketball had a reason to celebrate on Sunday. Star guard Jordan Lee earned her second gold medal with USA Basketball when Team USA won gold in the 2025 FIBA Women's U19 World Cup. As Team USA cruised to an 88-76 win over Australia on Sunday, Lee played a key role. During the tournament, Lee played in all seven games. The Saint Mary's High School product was a human highlight as she made an impact on both ends of the court. In the World Cup game, Lee scored seven points while dishing out four assists. She also was a menace on the boards with ten rebounds. While Lee is celebrating another significant milestone, this is not unfamiliar territory. She won gold with Team USA during the 2024 FIBA Women's U18 AmeriCup in Colombia. The California native was also part of the 2024 USA Women's Nike Hoop Summit team that defeated the World Select squad. She was the best player on the court, leading all players with a +17 plus/minus in that game. With the 2025-2026 campaign just a few months away, Lee will again be an important piece for the Longhorns. She is coming off a strong freshman year, in which she earned All-SEC Freshman Team honors. Lee scored in double figures in ten games. However, her best play came during March Madness. In the final four, the Longhorns' star scored 16 points against South Carolina. While the Longhorns' run unfortunately came to an end against the Gamecocks, Lee was part of history. Last season marked the first time that Texas advanced to the Final Four in 22 years. With another year of experience, Lee should be an exciting player to watch when the regular season begins.
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
USA Continue Dominance with 11th FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup title
Mohamed Mandour USA are celebrating another piece of silverware after successfully defending their crown at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025 with an 88-76 victory over Australia in the Final. Winning a fourth consecutive edition and an 11th title in total, USA also extended their record-breaking winning streak in the competition to 28 games. Their success in the Final was built around yet another sensational effort from Saniyah Hall. She excelled with a brilliant performance efficiency valuation of 35 after contributing 25 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Australia finished as runners-up in the competition for the third time in four editions. Saniyah Hall capped a tremendous individual tournament by being deservedly named TISSOT Most Valuable Player. She collected the prestigious award having averaged 19.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.9 steals per game in the tournament. She shot 52.6 percent from the field - helped by 39.3 percent from the perimeter. Hall was joined on the All-Star Five by teammate Sienna Betts, along with Bonnie Deas of Australia, Somtochukwu Okafor of Spain and Syla Swords of Canada. Spain won bronze as they squeezed out Canada 70-68 in a thrilling Third Place Game. Okafor proved to be the game-winner with a superb 23 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
USA Standout Saniyah Hall Crowned TISSOT Most Valuable Player
Mohamed Mandour Saniyah Hall was named the TISSOT Most Valuable Player of the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025 after leading USA to an astonishing 11th title. The versatile and super-talented Hall, who is also eligible to play at the next edition of the competition in 2027, was on-fire from start to finish in the tournament. In the Final she showed why she was a worthy winner of the individual accolade with a monstrous display to take her team past Australia 88-76. She accrued an eye-popping efficiency of 35 after recording 25 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Saniyah Hall led the All-Star Five after registering an average performance efficiency valuation of 24.0 across the 2025 edition. This was achieved after a phenomenal return of 19.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.9 steals per game. She also shot brilliantly too - netting 52.6 percent from the field and shooting 39.3 percent from three-point range. Hall was joined on the All-Star Five by USA teammate Sienna Betts along with Australian guard Bonnie Deas, Spanish ace Somtochukwu Okafor and Canadian leader Syla Swords. Betts was a constant problem for opposing defenses from the first jump-ball. She eventually harvested a tournament double-double of 14.6 points and 10.0 rebounds per outing, also blocking 2.1 shots per game and shooting a fantastic 58.7 percent from the floor. Deas was instrumental in Australia making their run to the title game and averaged 12.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. Okafor put in a special double-double display in the Third Place Game to propel Spain to bronze and the guard averaged 12.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in the competition. Swords completes the lineup after finishing the tournament for fourth placed Canada averaging 15.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
