July 02, (THEWILL) – Mali national football team captain Hamari Traore has been suspended for inciting “rebellion” after criticising the country’s Football Federation.
The Real Sociedad defender was among several international players who published a letter last month decrying “poor management” and lack of professionalism among officials in recent years.
The players’ letter, addressed to supporters, threatened a boycott of the national team if the Federation failed to address the crisis they claim Malian football is experiencing. The publication caused significant controversy in Mali, with Traore subsequently failing to appear before a disciplinary commission when summoned.
An official revealed on Tuesday that the 32-year-old has been suspended “for lacking honour and dignity, incitement and rebellion against the national team and Malian football”. This suspension is described as a “precautionary measure” while the case is referred to the Disciplinary Committee for further action.
The suspension comes at a challenging time for Malian football. The national team was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations in February and currently sits fourth in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group with one win, two draws, and one defeat. Additionally, national coach Eric Sekou Chelle was dismissed last month after two years in the role.
This development highlights ongoing tensions between players and football administrators in Mali, potentially impacting the team’s performance in upcoming international competitions. It remains to be seen how the Malian Football Federation will address the concerns raised by the players and navigate this period of internal strife.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
