Official: Burkina Faso player fined for comments on officiating in CAF second-round match against Algeria

Sunderland and Burkina Faso national team player Bertrand Traoré had harsh words for the referee following his side's defeat to Algeria.

Details: Burkina Faso international Bertrand Traoré has been fined €8,500 for his remarks about the officiating during the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations against Algeria, a match his team lost 2-0.

• See also: Western Sydney Wanderers — Macarthur Prediction, H2H and Probable Lineups — January 1, 2026

All of Traoré's controversial post-match comments:

"A disgrace for African football, there are beautiful stadiums, passionate fans… We’re down 1-0 after a penalty, but I believe there was a foul on me in the very first incident of the match. The referee doesn’t even check the situation, we speak directly into his ear, but he stands by his decision. In the end, he even pushes me. It’s frustrating. Losing on the pitch is part of the game, but you shouldn’t destroy the competition."

The Burkina Faso Football Federation confirmed the fine, emphasizing that responsibility for players' public statements remains with the players themselves.

Reminder: Algeria matched its record at the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring three goals in the first half against Equatorial Guinea.