Mali Captain Suspended by Football Federation Until Further Notice

• Mali captain Hamari Traore has been handed an indefinite suspension by the country’s football federation
• The Real Sociedad defender reportedly refused to appear at a disciplinary hearing over his rants on social media
• The Eagles lost to Ghana and drew against Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers early this month

The Mali national team captain, Hamari Traore has been suspended by the Football Federation of the country.

The 32-year-old Real Sociedad defender refused to appear at a disciplinary hearing following his comments about the federation after the team’s draw against Madagascar early this month.

Mali picked only a point in two matches during the World Cup qualifiers in June, suffering a home defeat to Ghana and a draw in South Africa against Madagascar.

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At the end of the games, the Eagles captain went on a social media rant, calling out the federation for not doing things right.

“Our leaders must take responsibility, listen to us, and understand the crucial issue of preparing for these matches, which are so important for our people,” he wrote in one of his posts on social media, as quoted by 13 Football.

This led to a summon by the federation but the former Stade Rennais player refused to appear at the hearing. He was subsequently suspended for his conduct.

“We are repeatedly informed that you are making publications on social networks regarding the internal life of the Mali national team despite our warning press release,” FEMAFOOT wrote.

The country’s federation sacked coach Eric Chelle a few days after the team failed to record a win in the June international window, as reported by 3 News.

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Mali sack Eric Chelle as coach

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that the Malian Football Federation has sacked coach Eric Chelle after failing to win a game in the World Cup qualifiers in June.

The Eagles lost to the Black Stars of Ghana at home before drawing against Madagascar to leave them with five points after four matches in Group I.

The former defender has come under intense pressure following the team’s quarter-final exit at the Africa Cup of Nations before a series of unconvincing results in the World Cup qualifiers.