Burkina Faso football: LFP and Ligue de Nando address competition and safety challenges

The Ligue de football professionnel (LFP) met officials from the Ligue de Nando in Koudougou on Saturday, 17 October 2026, to discuss the main organisational challenges facing professional football in Burkina Faso.

The meeting formed part of a nationwide contact tour designed to present the LFP’s vision and strengthen cooperation with those involved in the country’s professional game.

Competition organisation, match security and the shortage of suitable sports facilities were among the central issues raised during the discussions.

LFP executive secretary Juste Ephrem Zio recalled a decision by the executive committee of the Federation burkinabe de football allowing clubs with approved pitches to host their opponents during the current season.

The measure gives clubs greater responsibility for staging matches, particularly in relation to security arrangements and the wider organisation of fixtures.

As part of that process, leagues have been asked to appoint security officers to assess the measures put in place for matches. Those officers will also be expected to make recommendations to host clubs where improvements are considered necessary.

The Ligue de Nando said, however, that inadequate infrastructure remained a significant obstacle. The lack of suitable venues has made it especially difficult to schedule matches in Ligue 2 and Ligue 3.

It called for at least one pitch meeting the required standards to be built in Koudougou.

Fixture schedules and travel concerns

The management of championship calendars was another major subject discussed at the meeting.

Officials from the Ligue de Nando asked for fewer matches to be scheduled on working days and called for a reduction in the number of fixtures held outside Bobo-Dioulasso.

They said team support arrangements ended in Bobo-Dioulasso, making onward travel to other towns more difficult. According to the league, the situation creates logistical problems and raises concerns about sporting fairness.

The appointment and management of match commissioners and inspectors were also considered.

On security, the Ligue de Nando reported what it regarded as differences in the requirements imposed on clubs depending on their location. The league said clubs in different areas did not always appear to face the same expectations.

Training sessions are planned for league and club general secretaries, as well as match commissioners, in an effort to improve organisation and standardise working practices.

Through the talks, the Ligue de Nando expressed hope that local circumstances would be taken more fully into account, helping to deliver competitions that are better organised and more equitable.

Its officials also wished the new LFP executive secretary, Juste Ephrem Zio, every success following his recent appointment.