Koudougou: Representatives of the Executive Committee of the Burkinabe Football Federation (FBF), the Ministry in charge of Sports, Leagues, districts, and clubs convened from August 6 to 8 in Koudougou to develop reform proposals with an implementation strategy for the 3rd division.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the gathering was marked by an opening speech from the representative of the Nando Regional Football League, who welcomed participants to the city. The president of the Amateur Football Commission, Jacques Dala, on behalf of the FBF president, urged attendees to diligently formulate proposals that meet the expectations of amateur football stakeholders. Over three days, participants shared experiences and analyses aimed at making the third men's division more structured, competitive, and adapted to Burkinabe football.
The first day focused on diagnosing the current state. Participants were introduced to the SEPO tool, which aids in analyzing successes, failures, potential, and obstacles related to reform. Divided into four groups, they examined amateur football, emphasizing Ligue 3's challenges such as club governance, financing, infrastructure, competition organization, stakeholder capacity building, and talent development.
The discussions identified a central problem, its causes, and consequences, transitioning from acknowledging difficulties to seeking structural solutions. On the second day, participants worked on reform objectives, expected results, and necessary activities, crafting a draft implementation strategy.
Competition format emerged as a crucial discussion point, with participants examining Burkina Faso's competition structure, administrative map, and current format assessment. FIFA's recommendations also informed discussions. The third day was dedicated to presenting findings on different formats, leading to two possible formats for Ligue 3, along with their main implementation procedures and conditions. These proposals will be submitted to the General Assembly for consideration.
Participants analyzed alternatives, stakeholder roles, and expectations, conducting a SWOT analysis and addressing elements of the logical framework and strategic plan. Studies indicated that Ligue 3 reform requires more than schedule or format modifications. It necessitates improved club governance, capacity building, financing, infrastructure, and policies for young player development.
The workshop concluded with the chairman of the Amateur Football Commission thanking participants for their commitment to developing amateur football. The Koudougou workshop has laid the groundwork for collaborative reform, with the next critical step being the General Assembly's selection of the final format, followed by strategy and action plan finalization. The challenge now is transforming Koudougou's proposals into concrete decisions to invigorate Ligue 3.