Ivory Coast Football Federation president Idriss Diallo has taken a firm stance on the future of the national team by confirming that Emerse Faé will remain head coach, dismissing calls for change and warning against external pressure influencing football decisions.
Speaking candidly, Diallo made it clear that leadership of the national team would not be dictated by public debate or emotional reactions. He emphasised that Faé’s appointment and continued stay are rooted in performance, planning, and long-term vision.
Faé’s credentials are difficult to dispute. He masterminded Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2023 after appointed as coach during the tournament and followed it up with a successful World Cup qualifying campaign that returned the Elephants to football’s biggest stage after a decade-long absence.
Despite criticism from some quarters, rising from Ivory Coast’s quarterfinal ouster in the just concluded 2025 AFCON, Diallo insisted that results must outweigh noise, arguing that Faé has already achieved what many coaches failed to deliver over several cycles. He also highlighted the importance of institutional stability as the team prepares for the challenges of the 2026 World Cup.
While acknowledging that Faé, like all coaches, has areas that require improvement, Diallo stressed that development comes through continuity rather than constant upheaval. He confirmed that the federation would support Faé while expecting growth, accountability, and progress.
The decision sends a strong message about authority within the Ivorian football structure, reinforcing the idea that federation leadership, not public sentiment, will shape the future of the national team.
As preparations begin for the World Cup in North America, Ivory Coast will move forward under a coach who has both the confidence of the federation and a proven record of delivering success when it matters most.
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