Burkinabe football: the Sovereignty League starts in January 2027 with 20 teams

Twenty teams, two groups and six months of competition. The Sovereignty League will make its debut in Burkina Faso from January to June 2027, with the ambition of revealing new talents and giving more space to local players.

Each club will have a squad of 30 players and seven coaches. According to the organizers, the program is expected to generate 740 direct jobs. Another requirement is that at least 50% of the starting players must be local. Clubs must also include players who have resided in their area for at least six months.

The pilot phase will bring together 20 teams divided into two groups of ten. Pool A, based in Ouagadougou, will bring together Kadiogo 1, Kadiogo 2, Kadiogo 3, Oubri, Kuilsé, Liptako, Nakambé, Goulmou, Sirba and Tapoa. Pool B, based in Bobo-Dioulasso, will bring together Guiriko 1, Guiriko 2, Tannounyan, Nando, Bankui, Sourou, Djôrô, Yaadga, Soum and Nazinon.

The Sovereignty League does not replace the current national championship. It complements it, with the aim of strengthening talent identification, promoting the local roots of clubs, and providing a showcase for players from the different regions of Burkina Faso.

Yolande Bazié