Ivory Coast, the host nation of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), faced disappointment as their attempt to appoint Herve Renard as coach for the remaining tournament was thwarted by the French Football Federation (FFF), who declined to release him.
Renard, currently coaching the France women’s team, is popular in Ivory Coast for leading them to the 2015 African title.
Despite talks between the Ivorian Football Federation and the FFF, Renard’s contractual obligations with the French women’s team, including a UEFA Nations League semi-final, prevented his involvement.
The Elephants, having advanced as the best third-placed team, aim to navigate the challenges without Renard, following the dismissal of coach Jean-Louis Gasset due to the team’s lackluster performance in the AFCON.
