Burkina Faso president Ibrahim Traoré has threatened to intervene in the country’s football federation following the controversy surrounding the national team’s trip to Argentina, despite the risk of sanctions from FIFA.

Traoré made the declaration after an organisational crisis disrupted Burkina Faso’s preparations for a friendly against Argentina, which ended in a 7-0 defeat for the African nation.

The Stallions reportedly refused to play the match after their flight to Argentina was postponed, forcing the team to field a squad made up largely of young players amid the confusion.

Speaking about the state of football in Burkina Faso, Traoré admitted that the sport was facing serious challenges and suggested that decisive measures would be taken to address the situation.

“It’s true, our football is sick, and we will find the cure shortly. To reinvest, the illness must be treated, and I believe that this week we will be facing important decisions that must be taken for things to move forward,” he said, as quoted by French broadcaster RMC Sport.

The Burkinabe leader also revealed that he had previously warned the president of the country’s football federation against government involvement in its affairs but believes the circumstances now demand intervention.

“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,” Traoré said.

He added that the proposed measures would focus on protecting young players, improving preparations for upcoming competitions and introducing changes to the way football is managed in the country.

The remarks could, however, put Burkina Faso on a collision course with FIFA, whose regulations require national football associations to manage their affairs independently of political authorities.

FIFA has previously suspended member associations over government interference in football administration, making Traoré’s declaration a potential governance concern for the Burkinabe federation.

The federation’s president was seated alongside Traoré during the remarks, which were broadcast on national television.

Burkina Faso, ranked 62nd in the FIFA rankings according to the report, now faces questions about the future management of its football administration as the government considers measures to address the crisis.

While Traoré has presented his proposed intervention as an effort to protect players and improve the sport, any government action that compromises the federation’s independence could expose the country to disciplinary measures from FIFA.