Djelika "Mami" Tounkara, a 21-year-old Malian basketball player, continues her fight for justice four years after reporting sexual abuse within the women's national program. In 2021, she reported the abuse by her former coach, leading to his arrest and imprisonment for pedophilia and related charges. However, Tounkara claims she was subsequently dropped from the national team in retaliation, an allegation she unsuccessfully pursued through FIBA's legal mechanisms and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The CAS ruled it lacked jurisdiction, returning the case to FIBA's Ethics Panel.

Tounkara's lawyer, William Bock III, expressed deep disappointment with the CAS decision, highlighting the years of pro bono work and the significant harm inflicted on Tounkara, including death threats forcing her to leave Mali and a decline in her mental health. The missed opportunity to play in the 2021 U18/U19 World Cup has severely impacted her career. Ahmar Maiga of the Young Players Protection Association in Africa– Mali (YPPA-Mali) also criticized FIBA, suggesting a prioritization of business over player safety.

Despite setbacks and ongoing fear, Tounkara remains determined to continue her fight, hoping for systemic change to protect young female athletes in Mali. There is no timeline for a decision from the FIBA Ethics Panel.

Impact Statement: This case highlights the challenges faced by whistleblowers in sports, particularly in addressing sexual abuse, and the potential failures of governing bodies to protect athletes.