Burkina Faso leader Ibrahim Traore vows football federation intervention despite FIFA sanctions risk

Burkina Faso leader Ibrahim Traore says he intends to intervene in the country’s football federation following the controversy surrounding the national team’s trip to Argentina, even if the move leads to a severe suspension by FIFA.

Traore made the comments during a speech on football matters, just hours after the organisational problems linked to Burkina Faso’s match against Argentina. The African side lost 7-0 after fielding a team made up largely of young players amid the difficulties surrounding the fixture.

His remarks are likely to draw significant attention from FIFA, which prohibits political interference in the affairs of national football associations.

‘Our football is sick’

Speaking to the media, according to French broadcaster RMC, Traore said: “It is true, our football is sick, and we will find the cure shortly. To reinvest, we must treat the illness, and I believe that this week we will be faced with important decisions that must be taken to move things forward.”

He added: “New things may emerge, and we will do everything possible to take care of the young players and prepare them for the upcoming competitions.

“Last time, I told the federation president: usually, we do not want to interfere in your affairs, but we no longer have a choice now. We must intervene in them. But if we intervene, it is to take better care of the situation. We will bring energy. We will see how to do things differently.”

Traore made the statement in the presence of the federation president, who showed no reaction. The exchange was recorded at close range by cameras from Burkina Faso’s national broadcaster.

The comments could have major consequences for Burkina Faso, who are 62nd in the FIFA rankings. FIFA regulations prohibit political involvement in the management of national football associations, and any direct intervention could expose the country to disciplinary action.

The dispute follows the troubled circumstances of Burkina Faso’s appearance against Argentina, in which the team’s largely youthful line-up suffered a 7-0 defeat. The incident has placed renewed focus on the organisation and administration of football in the country, with Traore signalling that decisions could be made within the week.

His declaration that authorities would take a more active role in the federation represents a direct challenge to the existing football administration and risks bringing Burkina Faso into conflict with FIFA’s rules on the independence of national associations.