The Mozambican Basketball Federation (FMB) is under scrutiny for failing to settle a $15,000 debt owed to FIBA Africa since the women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan in August. The fees reportedly covered food and accommodation for the national team during the tournament. The outstanding payment has put the federation at risk ahead of FIBA Africa’s November meeting, where a decision could see Mozambique suspended or allow time to clear the debt before any final ruling. According to FIBA Africa president Anibal Manave, the consequences of a suspension are severe. As a result, Mozambican clubs could be barred from continental competitions, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and the Women’s BAL (WBLA). This could prevent reigning WBLA champions Ferroviário de Maputo from defending their title in Egypt this December, while Ferroviário da Beira would miss the Road to BAL qualifiers. Beyond club competitions, Mozambique’s national teams would also be prohibited from participating in official international tournaments. The move would not only stall basketball development in the country but could also deter investors and disrupt livelihoods across Mozambique’s basketball ecosystem. There is still a room for the federation to act. Settling the debt or negotiating terms with FIBA Africa could avert suspension and protect Mozambique’s standing in continental basketball. For now, the nation’s basketball community watches closely as financial issues threaten to derail years of progress.
