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MAN, Switzerland – The president of the World Basketball governing body has stepped aside in investigating the alleged systematic sexual exploitation of female players in his home union.
Hamane Niang “strongly disputes the allegations” that he ignored the misconduct of coaches and officials in Mali while leading a national federation there from 1999 to 2007, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) said in a statement on Monday.
The New York Times published the allegations about 12 coaches and officials in sexual abuse involving about 100 female players. Niang was not accused of exploiting women.
Three men – coach Amadou Bamba, coach Oumar Sissoko and official Hario Maiga – have been suspended from all FIBA activities during an investigation ordered by a governing body in Switzerland.
Niang “offered his full cooperation” to the investigation, said FIBA, which has urged Malian officials also to cooperate.
“FIBA is completely intolerant of all forms of harassment and abuse, and it expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the victims of such activities,” it said.
The investigation is being conducted by Canadian law enforcement FIBA Integrity Officer Richard McLaren, who spoke of a Russian state-sponsored doping scandal.
“[McLaren] has confirmed that the report is expected to be submitted soon after the Olympics, “FIBA said.
The opening of the Tokyo Olympics on July 23 was supposed to be the highlight of Niang’s four-year FIBA presidency, which began in 2019.
FIBA has an elected presidency that is a pioneer compared to the executive role of other sports governing bodies. It orbits between continents, each receiving a four-year turn.
Niang, 69, is not directly related to allegations of sexual abuse that occurred between 1999 and 2011, according to the Times.
Niang was appointed Minister of Sports and Culture in the Malian government in 2007 – ’11 after his presidency in the country of basketball, according to his biography on the FIBA website.
During Niang’s absence, FIBA said her duties will be handled by Qatar’s first vice president, Sheik Saud Ali Al-Thani.
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