Basketball World Cup: Mali teammates break out into brawl after loss to Serbia

Tensions flew at the Women’s Basketball World Cup as two Mali teammates broke out into a fight with each other following a recent loss.

They had just been dealt their fourth straight defeat in the tournament by Serbia, who won the match 81-68 in Sydney, Australia.

An investigation into the incident has been launched by The International Basketball Federation.

Footage of the fight was caught on camera by Serbian news reporters, who were filming a post-match interview with Sasa Cado in the mixed zone following her side’s victory.

Less than ten seconds into the clip, the interview was interrupted as distant shouting became a huge commotion.

Cado’s reaction was one of complete shock and panic as the events unfolded right next to her.

The camera panned to show Mali teammates Salimatou Kourouma and Kamite Elisabeth Dabou throwing punches at each other before being swarmed by the rest of the team.

Members of staff also seemed to get involved in breaking up the fight but the video ended before tensions were diffused.

Watch: Mali players break out into brawl at Basketball World Cup

An official statement read: “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.

“Following the incident, FIBA has opened an investigation. Once the investigation is concluded, FIBA will decide on any applicable disciplinary measures.”

The 2022 tournament is Mali’s second Basketball World Cup, having qualified to replace Nigeria who were forced to withdraw due to ‘administrative difficulties around the sport in their country.’

However, the Malians will not progress into the knockouts, having lost all five of their group