The President of Burkina Faso challenges FIFA: I will intervene in sports after the Argentine scandal

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The President of Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traoré, announced his intention to intervene in the affairs of the local football federation against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the national team’s trip to Argentina, in a move that may expose the country to sanctions from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), which prohibits political interference in the management of national federations.

During his speech to the media on October 5, Traoré criticized the football situation in Burkina Faso, stressing that important decisions would be taken in the wake of the organizational problems that accompanied the match against Argentina.

The president said: It is true that our football is sick, and we will find a cure later. In order to reinvest, the problem must first be addressed. I believe that this week we will have to make important decisions in order for things to move forward. New things may arise, and we will do everything in our power to nurture the young people you represent and prepare them for the benefits ahead.

Traore explained that the government is ready to intervene despite the possibility of being subjected to sanctions from FIFA, saying: I previously told the Federation President that we usually do not want to interfere in your affairs, but we no longer have a choice now. We have to intervene, whether we get suspended or not. If we return to intervention, it will be to improve organization and take better care of this sector. We will inject new energy, and we will work in a different way.

These statements were made in the presence of the President of the Burkinabe Football Federation, who was shown closely in official television footage without him showing any reaction.

FIFA regulations prohibit any political interference in the management of national federations, which means that the fate of Burkina Faso will depend on the nature of the measures that will be taken by the political authorities and the extent of their influence on the daily management and decisions of the local football federation.