Comoros have begun a major review of their national team set-up following a disappointing exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with head coach Stefano Cusin potentially facing a significant salary reduction to remain in his role.
The Coelacanths were eliminated in the group stage of the tournament without scoring a single goal, prompting the Comorian Football Federation (FFC) to bring its collaboration with the national team’s technical staff to an end.
The decision was confirmed in an official statement released after a meeting held on 2 February.
“Following this meeting (of February 2nd, editor’s note) and after a thorough analysis of the sporting and organizational record, the Executive Committee decided to terminate the work of the national A team’s technical staff, as part of a reorganization aimed at strengthening the efficiency and performance of the national team for future competitions.”
Despite that announcement, discussions are ongoing regarding the future of Stefano Cusin, whose contract expires on 1 March.
According to reports, talks over a possible extension would require the Italian coach to accept substantial financial concessions.
Cusin’s position remains uncertain, with the federation facing well-documented financial constraints.
It has been reported that the coach could be asked to accept a salary cut of up to 50 percent, a condition linked directly to the federation’s current economic situation.
“The Federation emphasizes that this reflection takes into account organizational and financial realities, in particular the financial contribution of the State, which makes a significant contribution to supporting the National Team.”
La Fédération des Comores 🇰🇲 a annoncé la fin de sa collaboration avec l’ensemble du staff technnique de l’équipe nationale A (logique vu les ingérences/soucis rencontrés à la CAN)
Concernant Stefano Cusin, son contrat se termine au 1er mars. Des discussions ont lieu mais la… https://t.co/SKr0m2qG1t
— Romain Molina (@Romain_Molina) February 3, 2026
If an agreement is reached, Cusin would oversee a new cycle marked by structural changes within the federation and the national squad.
Several senior figures are expected to depart, including El Fardou Ben Nabouhane, the country’s all-time leading scorer, who has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 36.
The potential departure of such an influential figure underlines the scale of the transition facing Comorian football, as the federation seeks to rebuild after a difficult AFCON campaign and redefine its ambitions for future competitions.
