Mahazou Cisset Elected New President of Malian Football Federation
Mahazou Cisset has been elected the new president of the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) following an extraordinary general assembly held on Thursday. According to the federation's official announcement, Cisset, who was the sole candidate after his list was pre-selected, secured 95.83% of the votes, with 69 votes in favor, one against, and two blank ballots. The economist, widely known by the nickname "Baba," now begins a four-year term at the helm of Malian football.
Cisset succeeds Mamoutou Touré, who was ousted from the presidency earlier this year after several members of his executive committee resigned. Touré, first elected in 2019, had controversially sought a second term in 2023 while he was imprisoned. The election of Cisset marks the start of a new chapter for the federation, which has faced periods of instability and governance challenges.
In his initial statements, the new president outlined a mission to rebuild based on three major pillars: transparency in management, unification of all Malian football stakeholders, and the professionalization of the national championship. These goals address long-standing concerns within the domestic game, where administrative disputes have sometimes overshadowed on-pitch development. Mali's national teams, particularly the senior men's side which regularly qualifies for the Africa Cup of Nations, have enjoyed relative success despite the off-field turbulence.
The immediate focus for Femafoot under its new leadership will be to stabilize the federation's operations and build consensus among clubs, regional leagues, and former officials. The professionalization of the domestic league is a critical long-term project for improving the quality of football in the country and creating a more sustainable financial model for clubs. Furthermore, Cisset's administration will need to oversee preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, for which Mali is a qualified participant, and continue supporting the development of youth academies that have produced talents like Mohamed Camara and Kamory Doumbia.
This transition in leadership comes at a pivotal time for African football governance, with an increased emphasis on accountability and modernization. The election, conducted via a single candidacy, ensures a clear mandate for Cisset but also places significant expectation on his ability to deliver tangible reforms. His background in economics will be tested as he navigates the financial complexities of running the federation and its competitions. The football community in Mali will now watch closely as the new president moves from his stated objectives to actionable plans.
