Ouagadougou:The "Sovereignty League" in Burkina Faso is set to involve all 17 regions of the country and create 740 direct jobs. Adama Guira, the executive manager of the league, presented the competition format on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the championship will include 17 regional teams, with additional teams from Kadiogo and Houet, bringing the total to 20 teams. These teams will be divided into two groups of 10, with a pilot phase scheduled from January to June, consisting of 18 home-and-away matches per team.

Guira emphasized that the team names will reflect local culture rather than city names. The top four teams from each group will qualify for an eight-team final tournament, alternating between Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. Matches in the regions will be introduced gradually, aiming for a certified stadium in every region by 2028.

Aligned with the vision of the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the new championship aims to decentralize Burkinabe football, which is currently concentrated in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, and to provide opportunities for regional talents.

Guira stated that selected players must be Burkinabe and at least 16 years old. They will be bound by contracts, paid monthly, and covered by health and accident insurance. At least 50% of the players must be local to their region.

Each team will have a staff of seven, including various specialists, all paid a minimum of 300,000 CFA francs. No formal qualifications are required for application, promoting the discovery of local coaches.

Guira also highlighted the promise of independent oversight and transparent governance, with the establishment of a board of directors, executive management team, audit and disciplinary committees, and an appeals chamber. A national database will support national team selections, regional player associations, and career transition support.

He concluded with the hope that each match would become a regional celebration of gastronomy and culture.