Burkina Faso risk a worldwide suspension from FIFA after military leader Ibrahim Traore threatened to take control of the country’s football federation, Trybal News reports.
The warning follows a difficult trip to Buenos Aires, where Burkina Faso suffered a heavy 7-0 friendly defeat against Argentina. However, the result also exposed serious problems with the team’s travel arrangements and preparations.
Visa difficulties and complicated flight routes forced the delegation to endure several days of travel. The squad arrived only hours before kick off, while several regular players based abroad were also absent.
Attention has since shifted to federation president Colonel Major Oumarou Sawadogo. Critics have questioned his leadership, particularly the federation’s failure to meet the national team’s basic needs.
Transitional president Captain Traore has called for decisive action to address the problems. According to French broadcaster RMC Sport, he criticised the state of football in the country and called for major changes.
“It is true that our football is sick, and we will find the remedy. To invest again, we must cure the disease. I believe we have major decisions to make this week so that things can move forward.”
Burkina Faso Government intervention risks FIFA sanctions
Traore also warned the federation that the government was prepared to intervene, despite the risk of international sanctions.
He said the authorities had previously avoided interfering in football administration but could no longer ignore the situation.
“Last time, I told the federation president, ‘Up until now we didn’t want to interfere in your affairs, but now we have no choice. We have to do it, whether we get suspended or not. But if we intervene, it will be to get things organised and run properly’.”
However, any government takeover could put Burkina Faso in direct conflict with Article 14 of the FIFA Statutes. The rules protect football associations from interference by governments and other third parties.
If the authorities dissolve the federation’s executive committee or install a separate leadership, FIFA could suspend Burkina Faso’s membership. Similar disputes have led to suspensions involving Kenya and Zimbabwe.
Such a decision would have serious consequences for football across the country. The national team could be barred from World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifying competitions, while domestic clubs could lose access to CAF tournaments.
A suspension could also halt FIFA Forward funding, cutting off an important source of financial support for football development.
Burkina Faso now face a difficult choice as the government considers changes to the federation. Any intervention could reshape the country’s football administration, but it also risks isolating its teams from international competition.
