Ibrahim Traore vows action to ‘cure’ Burkina Faso’s ailing football

Burkina Faso president Ibrahim Traore has said important decisions could be taken this week to address what he described as the country’s “sick” football, while praising the patriotism of the Etalons U23 after their international match against Argentina in Buenos Aires on 4 October.

The young players were called upon in particularly difficult circumstances but agreed to represent Burkina Faso and ensure the country honoured its commitment to the fixture.

“They went there out of patriotism to save the situation and honour the commitment made by the Federation,” said Traore.

The President of Faso said he had followed the match closely and was impressed by the performance of the players.

“I watched the match and I was amazed,” he said, before highlighting the potential of Burkina Faso’s younger generation.

“We have potential among the youth,” he added.

Traore also said the experience had encouraged him to become more involved in sport generally.

“It motivates me to reinvest myself in sport as a whole,” he said.

His comments went beyond the performance of the Etalons U23, with the Burkina Faso leader indicating that changes could soon be made to the way football is managed in the country.

“It is true, our football is sick, and we will find remedies,” he said. “Because in order to invest again, we also have to treat the problem.”

He said significant decisions might be announced “this week”, adding that changes could affect the support provided to young players.

“New things may appear. And we will do everything we can to take care, above all, of the young people,” Traore said.

The President of Faso also referred to the possibility of more direct state involvement in the administration of football. He said he had previously told the president of the Federation that the authorities did not want to interfere in its affairs, but that circumstances had now changed.

“Last time, I told the president of the Federation: until now, we did not want to get involved in your affairs,” he said. “But now we have no choice; we have to get involved, whether we are suspended or not.”

Traore said that involvement would focus on improving the organisation of football, developing infrastructure and strengthening the support available to those working in the sport.

“We will inject energy so that people can feel more comfortable and give more of themselves,” he said. “Whether it is infrastructure, support or everything else, we will look at doing things differently.”

The Etalons U23 represented Burkina Faso after being asked to step in, allowing the country to fulfil its international commitment against Argentina in Buenos Aires.