Burkina Faso’s plan to overhaul its national sport could trigger a confrontation with football authorities after President Ibrahim Traore warned that the country may be suspended internationally.

Traore has criticised the structure of the country’s football and announced a new national competition, despite the possibility of falling foul of FIFA rules on political interference.

His comments follow Burkina Faso’s 7-0 defeat by Argentina in early October, a result which has intensified scrutiny of the national game. Days after describing Burkinabe football as “sick” and promising radical action, Traore set out his case for reform.

The president said the state provides substantial financial support to football while having little influence over how the sport is run. He questioned why public authorities should fund the game but be unable to hold its administrators accountable.

“When we talk about football, it is the state that does almost everything. Travel, selection bonuses, match bonuses, victory bonuses... The state pays for everything. Even the supporters. Billions [of CFA francs] are invested. Within the system, there are subsidies for the clubs. So the federation does practically nothing. Everything rests on the shoulders of the state, but the state has no right to say anything.”

Traore also expressed frustration at the consequences of any attempt by the authorities to intervene in the running of sports federations.

“Whatever it tries to do, someone in an office at the CAF will immediately say that the state has interfered. And that can lead to suspensions for the national team. So it is complicated because it operates in the form of an association.”

FIFA regulations require member federations to manage their affairs independently, protecting them from political involvement. That creates a difficult balance for Burkina Faso between overseeing the use of public money and respecting the autonomy of its football federation.

Traore said a new law covering sport in general was being prepared to address what he regards as weaknesses in the existing system.

“There is a new law on sport in general coming which will put an end to all these practices. We cannot continue to have associations and expect anything competitive. So we will surely move towards sports companies, if I may put it that way.”

The proposed legislation would replace the current association-based model with more professional sporting structures, operating under different responsibilities and requirements.

A new competition has also been announced. On 12 October, during a meeting with regional governors, Traore presented the Ligue de la souverainete, which is intended to expand football across the country.

Players taking part are expected to receive a minimum monthly salary of 200,000 FCFA, equivalent to about 305 euros, as well as social protection. The proposal comes as many local footballers continue to face financial insecurity.

The precise details of the reforms, including the future role of the Federation burkinabe de football, have yet to be established. Any challenge to the federation’s independence could expose Burkina Faso to international sanctions, even as the government seeks to professionalise the sport and improve control of public funding.