Mali says the decision by the Czech Republic prevented its under-19 women's team from representing the continent at a major tournament

Mali has accused the Czech Republic of refusing entry visas to its under-19 women's basketball team, forcing the African champions to forfeit their place at an international competition in Brno.

The West African nation denounced the move as an "unfriendly attitude" that violates the responsibilities of host countries in global sporting events. In a statement on Monday, Mali's Foreign Ministry said it had delivered a message "to strongly protest the Czech authorities' refusal to grant entry visas" to the team, and demanded an explanation for what it described as an "unfortunate event."

"This deeply regrettable incident... caused Mali to miss this world-class competition, at which the Malian team... should represent the whole African continent," the ministry stated.

The Malian team had been due to compete in the 2025 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) U-19 World Cup tournament in the EU state from July 12 to 20. They had secured their spot after winning the 2024 Under-18 Women's AfroBasket in South Africa's capital, Pretoria - their ninth continental title.

According to local media, the squad was unable to depart because their travel documents remained with the Czech Embassy in Senegal's capital, Dakar, the only post mandated to process visas for Malians after Prague shut down its mission in Bamako in 2022.

The Maliweb news outlet reported that efforts were made with Spanish basketball authorities to arrange Schengen transit visas, but Czech rules required direct clearance from its Dakar consulate, leaving no time to meet competition deadlines.

FIBA said it had been informed that the Malian delegation was unable to travel to Brno due to visa issues. As a result, the team's three scheduled matches against Australia, France, and Brazil would be recorded as forfeits, the organization stated.

The diplomatic fallout comes amid deepening ties between Russia and the Sahel Alliance states - Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso - across multiple fronts, including sports. In May, Niger hosted a boxing event featuring fighters from Russia and the three African nations to mark the 80th anniversary of the World War II victory. Last year, the inaugural Vladimir Putin Sambo Tournament was held in Burkina Faso to promote solidarity and strengthen Moscow's cooperation with its African partners.