BRICE DJA DJÉDJÉ DECLINES AFCON 2015 CALL-UP FOR CÔTE D’IVOIRE
After Ismaël Bangoura, another high-profile withdrawal has hit African national teams ahead of AFCON 2015: Brice Dja Djédjé, right-back of Olympique de Marseille, has announced he will not join Côte d’Ivoire for the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.
Speaking after OM’s match against Lille, the 24-year-old declared:
“I want to stay at OM. This is my first season as a starter for a big club. For the moment, I don’t want to leave with my national team. I discussed my situation with Marcelo Bielsa and he understands my position. He’s counting on me. I’m giving priority to OM.”
Dja Djédjé added that while he has met with Ivorian Football Federation officials, uncertainty around the national team coach’s decisions contributed to his choice:
“The coach isn’t sure of his choices. He’s not clear with me. I’m weighing the pros and cons, and the pros are to stay and play with OM.”
He also hopes that OM’s leadership can reach an understanding with the Ivorian federation:
“According to reports, it’s a bit difficult in Côte d’Ivoire, but I hope it will happen.”
This stance sets up a potential standoff between the player, the club, and the Ivorian national team, with tensions likely to grow as the tournament approaches.
