Former Ivory Coast international footballer Abdoulaye Traoré, widely known by his nickname “Ben Badi,” has been sentenced to three years in prison for rape, according to multiple verified reports published on April 23, 2026. The conviction stems from an incident in March 2021 in which Traoré was found guilty of engaging in non-consensual sexual acts with a 21-year-old woman in Bouaké, located in central Ivory Coast.
The Bouaké court delivered its verdict on Wednesday, sentencing the 59-year-old former striker to 36 months of imprisonment without suspension. In addition to the prison term, Traoré was ordered to pay 15 million CFA francs in damages to the victim — approximately 23,000 euros based on current exchange rates. The court as well imposed a ten-year suspension of his civil rights and banned him from appearing in Bouaké for five years.
Traoré, who earned acclaim as a key member of the Ivory Coast national team that won the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal, built his reputation as a prolific striker during his playing career. He began professionally with ASEC Mimosas in Abidjan before moving to Europe, where he had a brief spell with French club FC Metz during the 1986–1987 season. His time in Lorraine, though short, remains a notable chapter in his career trajectory, linking him to one of France’s historic football institutions.
Following his departure from Metz, Traoré played for several other European clubs before returning to Africa, where he continued to feature prominently for both club and country. His international career included numerous appearances for the Elephants, with his peak coming during the victorious 1992 CAN campaign — a triumph that remains one of the most celebrated moments in Ivory Coast football history.
The case against Traoré spanned over five years of judicial proceedings before reaching its conclusion. Women’s rights organizations in Ivory Coast have welcomed the verdict as a significant step forward in addressing sexual violence and challenging impunity. The Ivorian League for Women’s Rights praised the ruling in a public statement, calling it “an important advancement in the fight against the impunity of sexual and gender-based violence.”
Details of the trial indicate that prosecutors presented sufficient evidence to establish that the sexual encounter in March 2021 lacked consent, leading to the guilty verdict. While Traoré has maintained his innocence throughout the process, the court found the testimony and supporting documentation credible enough to uphold the charges.
This conviction marks a sobering end to the public life of a man once celebrated for his contributions to Ivorian sports. At 59, Traoré now faces the prospect of serving time in prison after years of fame derived from his athletic achievements. The case underscores the principle that legal accountability applies regardless of an individual’s former status or public prominence.
As of this report, there has been no public indication of whether Traoré intends to appeal the sentence. The Ivorian judicial system allows for appeals within a defined period following sentencing, but no filing has been confirmed by official sources or legal representatives.
The incident serves as a reminder that even those who attain national hero status through sport are subject to the same laws governing all citizens. For fans and observers of African football, the fall of a figure like Ben Badi prompts reflection on how societies reconcile athletic excellence with personal conduct.
Moving forward, the focus will shift to whether any legal appeals are pursued and how the Ivorian football community processes this development. Archysport will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates should any verified developments emerge regarding the case or its broader implications.
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