Basketball World Cup: Mali teammates in violent punch-up

FIBA have responded after vision of a furious brawl during a live TV cross at the women’s Basketball World Cup was released. WATCH THE VIDEO

FIBA is investigating an ugly brawl that broke out between Mali players in the media mixed zone of the Women’s World Cup in Sydney on Monday.

National players Salimatou Kourouma and Kamite Elisabeth Dabou came to blows less than a metre away from Serbia’s Sasa Cado who was on camera doing a post-game interview, footage of the fight captured by a Serbian media outlet.

In the vision, Kourouma throws at least three punches before Mali teammates stream in and try to separate the pair.

An eyewitness has told News Corp that the two Mali players were engaging in a verbal stoush prior to the punches being thrown.

A fight browk out between two Mali teammates.

FIBA on Tuesday morning released a statement acknowledging there was an altercation in the mixed zone following the Group B game between Mali and Serbia.

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

In 17 minutes on court, Kourouma had eight points and six rebounds in Mali’s loss to Serbia while Dabou played just three minutes.

Winless Mali, a late call-up in May to replace Nigeria in the tournament, round out its campaign today against Pool leader Canada.