The event between Salimatou Kourouma and Kamite Elisabeth Dabou took place on Monday after Mali’s fourth-straight defeat on the tournament in Questionnaire, Australia, and video footage of the fight was widely circulated on social media.
FIBA, basketball’s global governing body, said it has opened up an investigation into the event to decide on any disciplinary actions.
“We’re here to apologize for that images that were taking place social media, ” Kourouma, sat alongside Dabou, told reporters on Tuesday.
“It had not been our intention and we were frustrated due to the loss. We are right here to apologize to the world of basketball (and the) FIBA World Mug. ”
Within the footage, Kourouma is visible throwing punches on Dabou before some other Mali players get involved to try and separate the 2 players. CNN Sport has contacted Mali’s basketball federation for even more comment on the occurrence.
Mali exited the World Cup after losing every game in Group B, which included going down 88-65 against Europe on Tuesday.
The Can certainly World Cup resumes with the quarterfinals upon Thursday and concludes with the final upon Saturday.