Ibrahim Traoré vows football reforms despite risk of FIFA suspension

Burkina Faso’s football crisis has taken a new turn after interim President Ibrahim Traoré warned that his government was prepared to intervene in the sport, even if doing so risks sanctions from FIFA.

Speaking on Monday while receiving the country’s U15 women’s team, who finished runners-up at the African School Football Championship, Traoré described Burkina Faso’s football as “sick” and said urgent measures were needed to address its problems.

“Our football is sick and we will find the remedies. Because to reinvest, we also have to treat the problem,” Traoré said, according to reports from Burkina Faso media.

He said important decisions could be announced this week, with particular attention expected to be given to youth development, infrastructure and the broader organisation of the game.

But Traoré went further, suggesting the government was prepared to accept the consequences of greater involvement in football.

“We have no choice, we have to get involved, whether we are suspended or not,” he said.

The comments came days after Burkina Faso’s chaotic trip to Argentina ended in a 7-0 defeat by the world champions at Buenos Aires’ Monumental stadium.

The Burkinabe side arrived only hours before kick-off after problems surrounding the planned journey forced the country to send an emergency U23 squad instead of its senior team.

Argentina scored three times in the opening 12 minutes and led 5-0 at half-time before completing the rout.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni nevertheless praised Burkina Faso for making the trip and said their decision to fulfil the fixture was worthy of respect.

The episode has exposed organisational problems that Traoré now wants to address, but direct government control of football would carry significant risks.

FIFA’s statutes require member associations to manage their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties.

Violations can lead to sanctions, while FIFA has previously suspended national federations over government interference.

Mali, for example, was suspended in 2017 after its sports minister dissolved the federation’s executive committee and appointed a provisional body.

FIFA’s sanctions meant Malian clubs and national teams were barred from international competition until the dispute was resolved.

Burkina Faso’s problems also predate the Argentina debacle.

The national team reached the AFCON final in 2013 and finished third in 2017, but its recent performances have fallen short of expectations.

At the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Stallions were eliminated 3-0 by Ivory Coast in the last 16, prompting the federation to dismiss coach Brama Traoré and his technical staff.

The challenge for Ibrahim Traoré will therefore be to reform a troubled football system without crossing FIFA’s governance rules.

The president has promised action; The coming days should reveal whether that means investment and restructuring — or a confrontation that could leave Burkina Faso’s team outside international football.

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Burkina Faso’s interim President Ibrahim Traoré