Mali Slams Visa Denial

Mali on Monday strongly condemned the Czech Republic’s refusal to grant entry visas to its U19 women’s basketball team, preventing their participation in the FIBA World Cup in Brno, held July 12–20, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

The Malian Foreign Ministry filed a formal protest with Prague, calling the decision an “unfriendly act” and a violation of obligations for countries hosting international events.

FIBA confirmed Mali’s absence was due to visa issues. As a result, their scheduled matches against Australia, France, and Brazil were canceled. Nigeria remains the only African team in the tournament.

The ministry said the denial deprived Mali of the chance to represent not only their country but the entire African continent.