OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – After a period of suspension, Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 football clubs in Burkina Faso have decided to end their boycott and resume participation in the activities organized by the Burkinabè Football Federation (FBF).
According to Burkina Information Agency, obtained by the AIB and signed by spokesperson Koudougou David Yaméogo, who is also the president of Faso Athletic Club (FAC, L2), the clubs announced their return to competitions starting April 5, 2024.
The decision to halt the boycott, as outlined in the release, was motivated by the clubs’ desire to avoid the detrimental impact of a potential “blank year” on the sporting season and the broader football community in Burkina Faso. This resolution came after meetings in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso on April 2, emphasizing the need for adequate preparation time for players to minimize the risk of injury upon returning to competition.
The dispute between the FBF and the clubs began over financial grievances, specifically the demand for the reimbursement of 140 million CFA francs. The funds had been allocated by the federation, with approval from the Ministry of Sports and the clubs, for organizing junior league championships. However, delays in the organization of these events led the clubs to request the return of the funds. The FBF’s refusal, citing its ability to hold the competitions, resulted in the suspension of league activities, which were halted on the 19th day for Ligue 1, the 11th day for Ligue 2, and in the 32nd finals of the Coupe du Faso.