Burkina Faso close to agreeing historic friendly match in Russia

Burkina Faso are close to finalising an agreement to play an international friendly against Russia national football team in June, with discussions between the two federations nearing completion.

The proposed fixture, expected to take place between June 1 and 9, would likely be staged in Moscow and mark the first-ever meeting between the Stallions and the Sbornaya.

While a few logistical details remain unresolved, both parties have already reached an agreement in principle.

The arrangement reflects strengthening ties between Russia and Burkina Faso in recent years. Diplomatic relations have intensified since Ibrahim Traoré assumed office in September 2022, with further cooperation formalised in February during talks in Moscow between foreign ministers Sergey Lavrov and Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré.

This growing relationship has extended into sport, with the proposed football match emerging from exchanges between the two countries’ foreign ministries. Responsibility for finalising the details has since been handed to the respective football federations.

An earlier plan had been in place for the match to be played in March, but Burkina Faso opted to delay the fixture as the national team searched for a new head coach.

During that period, Russia instead faced Mali, with the two sides playing out a goalless draw in Saint Petersburg on March 31.

Burkina Faso, following the appointment of Amir Abdou, chose to organise two friendlies at home against Guinea-Bissau, recording a 5-0 victory before drawing 1-1 in the return fixture.

Negotiations for the Russia match have since resumed and are now close to completion. Under the proposed agreement, the Russian federation is expected to cover travel, accommodation, meals, transport and security costs for the Burkinabe delegation.

The West African federation may also receive a financial fee, in line with common practice for international friendlies.

Russia have continued to organise friendly matches despite their suspension from international competitions by FIFA and UEFA following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Although barred from official tournaments, the national team remains active through non-competitive fixtures.

Several African nations, including Cameroon, Zambia and Nigeria, have already faced Russia in recent years, while Mali were the most recent opponents.

The Sbornaya have also played teams from Europe, Asia and Latin America, maintaining a busy schedule despite their absence from major competitions such as Euro 2024 and the upcoming World Cup.

Since their suspension, Russia have played 26 matches, recording 16 wins, nine draws and one defeat, which came against Chile in November in Sochi.

For Burkina Faso, the potential fixture offers another opportunity to prepare internationally under their new coach, as the team continues to rebuild and test itself against varied opposition.