Eko Hot Blog reports ivory Coast’s attempt to appoint Herve Renard as the coach for the remainder of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been unsuccessful, as the French Football Federation (FFF) declined to release him. Renard, currently coaching the France women’s team, could not be loaned to Ivory Coast for the tournament.
The FFF confirmed to AFP that discussions occurred between the Ivorian Football Federation and their French counterparts, but the 55-year-old coach will not be joining Ivory Coast midway through AFCON. Renard, who led Ivory Coast to the 2015 African title and won the competition with Zambia in 2012, is under contract with the French women’s team until the end of the Paris Olympics.
Renard’s popularity in Ivory Coast and his successful track record with the team fueled the desire to bring him in for the remainder of AFCON. Despite the Ivorians hoping to have Renard on the bench for their last-16 tie against Senegal on Monday, contractual obligations and upcoming commitments with the French women’s team prevented his release.
The Elephants, who secured a spot in the last 16 as the best third-placed team, have faced challenges in the group stage, winning against Guinea-Bissau but suffering defeats to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. Following the team’s unconvincing form, coach Jean-Louis Gasset was sacked on Wednesday, with former player Emerse Fae named as the interim boss.
As Ivory Coast navigates through the AFCON without Renard on the sidelines, the team faces the tough task of taking on reigning champions Senegal in the last-16 tie, with the AFCON final set to take place on February 11.
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