Two Mali basketballers who were filmed fighting with each other at the FIBA Women’s World Cup have apologised, saying they were frustrated after their team were eliminated from the tournament.

The fight was between Salimatou Kourouma and Kamite Elisabeth Dabou.

It broke out as Serbia’s Sasa Cado was being interviewed in the mixed zone after Mali lost 81-68 in their Group B clash in Sydney on Monday.

Kourouma was seen throwing punches at Dabou before other Mali players ran in to break the pair apart in front of a visibly shocked Cado.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has launched an investigation into the incident.

“We are here to apologise for the image that is going on social media. It was not our intention and we were frustrated because of the loss,” Kourouma, who sat alongside Dabou, told reporters on Tuesday

“We are here to apologise to the world of basketball (and the) FIBA World Cup. We are sorry for the image.”

Mali finished bottom of the group after losing all five of their games.

The quarter-finals take place on Thursday followed by the semi-finals on Friday and the final on Saturday.

Juventus scored a dramatic equaliser, had another goal ruled out by the video assistant referee and had two players sent off in an incredible finish to their draw with Salernitana.

Salernitana led 2-0 at half-time through Antonio Candreva's volley and Krzysztof Piatek's penalty.

But Bremer headed one back and Leonardo Bonucci equalised in the 93rd minute after his penalty had been saved.

Arkadiusz Milik thought he had scored a 95th-minute winner but it was offside.

Milik, who had already been booked, took his shirt off in celebration and was sent off.

While Juventus celebrated what they thought was the winning goal, it was announced it would be checked by the VAR official.

That sparked an on-pitch brawl, with Salernitana's Federico Fazio and Juventus' Juan Cuadrado both shown straight red cards, while Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri was also dismissed.

Milik was not offside but the third goal was ruled out as Bonucci, who tried to head the ball into the net but failed to make contact, was judged offside.

Footage later emerged which appeared to show Salernitana midfielder Antonio Candreva playing everyone onside as he was near the corner flag.

Although Juventus salvaged a draw that avoided a first defeat in Serie A this season, the point means they sit a lowly eighth in the table.

The Kidnappers who abducted some funeral guests in Ondo State have sought a ransom of N90 million before releasing the victims

The kidnappers were said to have demanded between N3 million and N10 million on each victim in order to free them.

The victims were abducted in Ifon, Ondo State, a border town with Edo State, while returning from a burial service in Ewatto, Edo State.

Speaking at a news conference in Akure, the state capital, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the state government would not participate in the ransom negotiation.

According to Olateju, paying a ransom gives kidnappers more authority to continue in their crime.

The victims had gone for a burial at Ewatto town and were returning in a 32-seater Coaster bus hired from Rufus Guwa Polytechnic when they were attacked by suspected kidnappers. The kidnappers shot into the air and took 18 of the passengers.

Reece James has signed a new six-year contract with Chelsea, committing to the club until 2028.

It has been widely reported that the deal he has signed will make James the highest paid defender in the club’s history, with terms expected to see him earn at least £250,000-a-week.

James first started training with Chelsea at the age of 6, before rising through the club’s academy after a short stint working with Fulham.

His excellent performances in the youth ranks saw James earn a loan move to Wigan, before returning to Stamford Bridge and making his Chelsea debut in September 2019 against Grimsby in the League Cup.

James has gone on to become a regular feature in Thomas Tuchel’s side, a Champions League winner and an England international.

Speaking about extending his stay, James said: “I am over the moon with my new contract and I’m thankful for the fans, the new ownership and everyone involved in the club. I cannot wait to see what the future holds, and I am sure we will have the chance of winning many trophies.”

Chelsea were keen to get James tied down to a new deal with clubs including Real Madrid and Manchester City believed to have been keeping a close eye on his progress at Stamford Bridge.