Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré has announced plans for his government to intervene directly in the country’s football administration, despite the potential risk of FIFA sanctions.
Traoré said the government had reached a point where it could no longer stay out of football affairs, insisting that improving the organisation and development of the sport was now a priority.
“We have no choice; we have to step in, regardless of whether we get suspended or not,” Traoré said.
The Burkinabe leader explained that the government’s intervention would focus on improving the organisation of football, developing infrastructure, supporting players and creating better conditions for the sport to thrive.
“We are going to inject new energy so that people feel more at ease and can give their best,” he added.
President Traore
The move could put Burkina Faso’s football administration on a collision course with FIFA, whose statutes generally prohibit government interference in the affairs of member
associations.
Any direct government takeover or interference in the running of the Burkina Faso Football Federation could therefore attract disciplinary measures, including possible suspension from international football.
Traoré, however, appears prepared to accept the consequences, with his administration prioritising reforms aimed at improving the structure and long-term development of football in the West African country.
