Sports federations in Burkina Faso and Benin implement structural reforms

Sports federations in Burkina Faso and Benin are implementing structural reforms to professionalize their respective disciplines.

In Burkina Faso, the Fédération Burkinabè de Basket-ball (FEBBA) announced major changes for the 2026-2027 season during its general assembly in Ouagadougou. President Souleymane Yameogo detailed a new league structure where only the top eight teams will compete in Division 1, with others relegated to Division 2. The federation is also prioritizing talent development over results in youth categories and providing advanced training for referees and coaches, though Yameogo noted that financial constraints and infrastructure quality remain challenges.

In Benin, the Fédération Béninoise de Football (FBF) has launched a training program for match commissioners to professionalize the organization of the national football league. Held in Porto-Novo, the session aims to standardize organizational practices, security management, and administrative reporting across all stadiums. Joël Débally, President of the Professional Football Management Council, emphasized that commissioners serve as essential representatives of organizing authority to ensure the integrity and credibility of the championships.