Soccer board resigns after failure in Mali

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso - Burkina Faso's soccer federation announced the resignation of its entire board following the national team's elimination in the first round of the African Cup of Nations.

The decision was taken after "in-depth reflection inspired by absolute honor and accountability," federation spokesman Abdoul Karim Traore said in a statement read Wednesday on national radio and television.

The Stallions were eliminated after they finished last in Group B with one point.

Public anger in Burkina Faso focused on the federation, which failed to replace Argentine coach Luis Oscar Fullone in time for the tournament in Mali.

Fullone took over the squad last September, but left Burkina Faso one month later, after his wife was admitted to a hospital in France with cancer. He never returned. - Sapa-AP