West African football has been rocked by major administrative and coaching changes this week, with Burkina Faso sacking coach Brama Traore following a disappointing last-16 exit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), while Mali’s football federation (Femafoot) faces a leadership crisis after multiple resignations.

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Burkina Faso Coach and Staff Dismissed

The Burkina Faso Football Federation (FBF) confirmed the decision to part ways with Traore and his coaching team after the Stallions’ 3-0 defeat to defending champions Ivory Coast in the first knockout round of the tournament in Morocco.

The FBF cited results that fell far short of pre-tournament objectives, as Burkina Faso had set their sights on a semi-final berth.

“This poor performance has caused deep disappointment among supporters, stakeholders in national football, and governing bodies,” said FBF chairman Oumarou Sawadogo.

Brama Traore, 63, was appointed Burkina Faso coach in March 2024, replacing Frenchman Hubert Velud, who left after Burkina Faso’s last-16 exit at the 2023 Afcon. Traore’s tenure, though relatively short, failed to elevate the team to the level expected by the federation and supporters.

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Mali Football Federation Faces Executive Resignations

Meanwhile, across the region in Mali, Femafoot is in turmoil, with 10 of the 19 executive committee members resigning following the Eagles’ quarter-final finish at Afcon 2025, matching their performance in Ivory Coast 2023.

The resignations have plunged Malian football administration into uncertainty, though Femafoot has denied rumours suggesting that coach Tom Saintfiet’s job is under threat.

“[He] has not been dismissed, and no decision has been taken in that regard,” said Femafoot communications officer Ladji Kone.

Femafoot president Mamatou Toure, popularly known as Bavieux, remains in office, having been elected for a second term in April 2023 while in detention on alleged corruption charges. He was released in April 2025 after 622 days in prison.

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Political and Administrative Tensions in Mali

Sources familiar with the situation suggest that the resignations stem from repeated dysfunction and internal political tensions within Femafoot. Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet, who took charge of the national team in September 2024, has largely distanced himself from the politics surrounding the federation.

“I am in Belgium, I am not following what is happening on the internet,” Saintfiet told BBC Sport Africa. “I coached Mali to the quarter-final for the second time (in a row), that is the only thing I can say. What kind of politics is going on, I don’t know.”

The coaching and administrative upheavals in Burkina Faso and Mali highlight the fragility of football governance in West Africa, where national teams often face intense pressure to perform at continental tournaments amid complex internal politics.

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Regional Football Impact

• Burkina Faso: Coaching staff dismissed, team to rebuild ahead of future qualifiers.
• Mali: Femafoot executive resignations create leadership vacuum, though national team coach retained.
• Implications: Both nations may face disruptions in player development programs, national team preparation, and international competition scheduling.

Football experts warn that these changes could affect West African teams’ performance in upcoming AFCON qualifiers and international friendlies, as the region’s talent development relies heavily on stable management structures.