Malian federation plans to return former captain Hamari Traoré to the national side

Real Sociedad and Mali right back Hamari Traoré (center). Photo Credit: Malian Football Federation

Malian Football Federation (FEMAFOOT) officials held a fruitful meeting with former national side captain Hamari Traoré on the possibility of a return to Les Aigles.

Traoré, 33, was barred from the Eagles after their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations elimination at the hands of Ivory Coast. The right back had a rift with the Federation on how the national team was handled, resulting in his current hiatus.

The Real Sociedad player met with FEMAFOOT first vice president Moussa Diakité and Mali national side general manager Samba Sow on the possible reconciliation. Some notable Malian players were absent for a year after a rift occurred between them and the Federation.

Traoré affirmed his commitment to Mali and opened the door for a future call up. FEMAFOOT also stated this is one of a series of meetings being held in Europe to reopen the gate to the national side for some European-based players.

Traoré last played for the Eagles in 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast in AFCON. He has made seven La Liga appearances due to injury this season with one assist. The Bamako native was an influential player with French Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais before his move to Spain and has been in the Mali squad for four AFCON finals.