Ivory Coast’s audacious bid to hire Renard as AFCON coach rejected

The Ivory Coast Football Federation has failed in an unexpected attempt to bring in Herve Renard as national team coach for the remainder of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, it was confirmed Thursday. The French Football Federation refused to release the 55-year-old from his contract managing France’s women’s side.

Talks were held between both Federations in a remarkable effort to appoint Renard mid-tournament, given his past AFCON success and popularity in Ivory Coast. He led The Elephants to the 2015 continental title and also won the competition with Zambia in 2012.

However, Renard remains tied to Les Bleues through this year’s Paris Olympics. With France also facing a vital Nations League semi-final next month, the FFF denied the Ivorian request. Ivory Coast had hoped Renard could lead them in Monday’s AFCON last-16 clash with holders Senegal.

The Elephants only qualified as one of the best third-placed teams after lacklustre group-stage form saw manager Jean-Louis Gasset sacked on Wednesday. Former player Emerse Fae has taken over as interim coach for the knockout rounds.

After opening with a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast lost 1-0 to Nigeria followed by an embarrassing 4-nil defeat at the hands of Equatorial Guinea. The FFF’s rejection of Renard leaves Fae in charge of the difficult task of trying to stop tournament favourites Senegal.