Burkina Faso’s Traore vows action after team’s travel issues overshadow Argentina friendly

Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traore has vowed to take “strong measures” to address problems affecting the men’s national football team, after their trip to Argentina for a friendly match was overshadowed by travel issues.

The Stallions arrived in Buenos Aires only hours before the match after chartered flight was cancelled without prior notice, according to the Burkina Faso Football Federation.

Several senior players reportedly refused to travel, citing fatigue. A younger team was eventually fielded after the 11-hour flight and lost 7-0.

President Traore acknowledged wider structural problems facing Burkinabe football and said his government would act to address them.

“Conscious of the structural challenges that hinder the development of the discipline, the president acknowledged the problems affecting Burkinabe football and announced that strong measures would be taken in the coming days to redress the situation,” the presidency said.

Traore on Monday received Burkina Faso’s U-15 women’s team, who returned from the African School Football Championship in Zimbabwe where they finished second.

“I know that you did not benefit from all the optimal conditions to prepare for this competition,” Traore told the players.

“Yet you fought with determination and enthusiasm, honouring the flag of Burkina Faso with dignity.”