Malian football is going through a deep crisis, marked by the threat of boycott from several internationals, including captain Hamari Traoré, now summoned by the Malian football executive committee. This Eagles rebellion highlights the many problems in Malian football, exacerbated by disappointing results and chaotic management of the Malian Football Federation (Fémafoot).
Malian football crisis: Widespread fed up
The players denounce a lack of transparency, professionalism and consideration on the part of managers. The case of the dismissal of Eric Chelle, coach of the national team, via social networks, perfectly illustrates these dysfunctions. Recent sporting results, including a premature elimination during CAN 2023, worsen the situation.
Thus, several players from the Malian national team, including captain Hamari Traoré (Real Sociedad), published a letter addressed to supporters on social networks. They express their frustration at the lack of results and the poor management of Malian football by their leaders. The message, also shared notably by El Bilal Touré (Atalanta Bergamo), Kamory Doumbia (Brest), and Falaye Sacko (Montpellier), warns that if the situation does not change, they could boycott the next qualifying matches for the World Cup 2026.
The threat of a player boycott, supported by the National Union of Malian Footballers (UNAFOM) and many supporters, aims to put pressure on to obtain profound changes within Fémafoot. It is urgent to put in place new governance based on transparency, competence and respect for those involved in the game.
Summons of Hamari Traoré
In response to his comments made on social networks, the Malian Football Federation (Fémafoot) summoned the captain of the Eagles of Mali, Hamari Traoré, to appear within 48 hours before the executive committee.
Discussions must take place between the players and the Malian authorities to resolve the crisis. The next few days will be decisive for the future of Malian football. Supporters hope that the Eagles of Mali can soon find their way back to success in a peaceful climate. Currently, the Mali Eagles occupy 4th place in Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, seriously compromising their chances of qualifying.
This crisis is reminiscent of those of other African countries, such as Nigeria and Cameroon, which regularly experience periods of turbulence in the management of their sports federations. Cameroon, where the emblematic Samuel Eto’o is in open conflict with the Cameroonian Ministry of Sports, is the latest example.
