Cote d’Ivoire draw up heavyweight shortlist as Emerse Fae succession decision nears

The Federation Ivoirienne de Football (FIF) is preparing for the succession of Emerse Fae, the coach who led Cote d’Ivoire to victory at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with three high-profile names reportedly under consideration.

According to an exclusive report by Ivorian journalist Sanh Severin, the federation has examined the profiles of Herve Renard, Didier Deschamps and Walid Regragui as possible candidates to take charge of the Elephants.

The trio of experienced coaches is understood to be at the top of the FIF’s list as it looks to maintain Cote d’Ivoire’s winning momentum. A final decision is expected in the next few days, meaning the federation’s choice could soon determine the direction of the national team’s next phase.

Fae’s position has become the focus of attention as the Ivorian authorities consider how best to continue the progress achieved under his leadership. The coach is identified in the report as the manager who delivered the CAN 2023 triumph, and the search for his successor has now moved towards three prominent figures in international football.

Renard, Deschamps and Regragui are the names being assessed by the federation. Their inclusion gives the succession process a notably high-profile character, while also opening a debate over which candidate would be best suited to guide the national side forward.

The FIF has not yet announced its final choice. For now, the decision remains between the three profiles highlighted in the report, with the federation expected to settle the matter shortly.

The central question is whether Cote d’Ivoire should appoint one of these established coaches to preserve the momentum created by the Elephants’ CAN 2023 success. The answer will emerge when the FIF concludes its assessment and confirms who will lead the national team into its next chapter.

Sanh Severin’s report is described as an exclusive revelation, and it has placed the succession issue firmly in the spotlight. With the final decision expected within days, attention will now centre on whether the federation selects Renard, Deschamps or Regragui to take charge of the Elephants.

The process marks an important point for the Cote d’Ivoire national team. The federation’s stated objective, as presented in the report, is to retain the successful dynamic built by the team and guide it towards further achievements. Which of the three candidates can best fulfil that ambition is now the subject of intense discussion around the national side.