The Ligue de football professionnel (LFP) met officials from the Ligue de Nando in Koudougou on Saturday, 17 October 2026, to discuss the organisational difficulties affecting professional football in Burkina Faso.

The meeting was part of a wider contact tour designed to present the LFP’s vision and strengthen cooperation with those involved in the country’s professional game.

Key issues included competition organisation, matchday security and the shortage of suitable sporting facilities. LFP executive secretary Juste Ephrem Zio recalled a decision by the executive committee of the Federation burkinabe de football allowing clubs with approved grounds to host their opponents during the current season.

That decision places greater responsibility on clubs for the running of matches, particularly in relation to security and overall organisation.

As part of the new arrangements, the leagues have been asked to appoint security officers. Their role will be to assess the measures in place at matches and, where necessary, make recommendations to the clubs acting as hosts.

Calls for improved facilities and scheduling

The Ligue de Nando said the lack of adequate infrastructure remained a major obstacle, particularly when arranging fixtures in Ligues 2 and 3. It called for at least one pitch meeting the required standards to be built in Koudougou.

The management of the championship calendar was another central subject during the discussions. Officials from the Ligue de Nando requested that fewer matches be scheduled on working days and that the number of fixtures played outside Bobo-Dioulasso be reduced.

They explained that team support arrangements end in Bobo-Dioulasso, making travel to other towns more difficult. In their view, this creates logistical problems and raises concerns about sporting fairness.

The appointment and management of match commissioners and inspectors were also examined. On security matters, the Ligue de Nando said it had observed differences in the requirements imposed on clubs depending on their location.

Training sessions are planned for the general secretaries of the leagues and clubs, as well as for match commissioners, with the aim of improving standards and consistency.

Through the consultation, officials from the Ligue de Nando said they hoped local circumstances would be given greater consideration. They believe this would help produce competitions that are better organised and more equitable.

They also wished Juste Ephrem Zio every success in his new position as LFP executive secretary, following his recent appointment.