Despite FIFA “threats”... Burkina Faso president decides to intervene in football affairs

The president of Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traoré, has expressed his intention to intervene in the management of national football, despite the risk of FIFA sanctions. This stance comes a few days after the Étalons’ heavy defeat to Argentina (7-0).

When receiving the Burkina Faso women’s U15 national team, runners-up in the African School Championship, the head of state said that national football was going through a difficult period.

“Our football is sick and we will find the remedy. If we want to invest again, we must also address the problems that exist,” Ibrahim Traoré said.

The Burkinabe president also announced that “new things” would be unveiled in the coming days as part of measures aimed at restoring national football and enabling it to regain positive momentum.

Traoré accepts the risk of a FIFA suspension

Ibrahim Traoré also stated that he was ready to accept the consequences of possible government intervention in the management of football, despite the risk of FIFA sanctions.

“We have no choice; we are obliged to intervene, whether we are suspended or not,” he insisted.

This statement comes as FIFA regulations require national associations to operate independently, without interference from government authorities.

Direct state intervention in the affairs of the Burkinabe Football Federation could therefore expose the country to sanctions that could go as far as an international suspension.

This desire to act also comes in a context marked by the Étalons’ disappointing results. Burkina Faso were eliminated in the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Friendly: Argentina hand Burkina Faso a heavy defeat

Mohamed Rek |

Editorfr, ar, en

Mohamed Rek- sports content writer with over 10 years of experience creating football content in Arabic and French for platforms such as Foot Africa and Starafrica, combining accuracy, creativity, and audience engagement.

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