Emerse Faé sheds light on Nicolas Pépé’s unexpected omission from AFCON squad

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé has addressed the growing speculation surrounding Nicolas Pépé’s exclusion from his Africa Cup of Nations squad, insisting that the decision was not a disciplinary measure and involved factors extending beyond football.

Speaking at a press conference, Faé was pressed on why the Villarreal winger – one of the country’s most recognisable attacking talents – had been left out of the tournament group.

He moved quickly to dismiss the idea that Pépé had been punished for sporting reasons.

A sporting sanction is a bit strong, he said, stressing that, on performance alone, the former Arsenal forward would have been included. From a purely footballing perspective, he obviously would have been on the list.

The 29-year-old’s omission has stirred debate among supporters and pundits in Ivory Coast, particularly after Pépé recently made public comments expressing disappointment at being overlooked.

In response, Faé hinted that the final decision required weighing up a broader set of considerations rather than focusing solely on on-pitch contribution.

He noted the complexity involved in selecting a balanced and unified squad, stating.

When you make a list, as you know, you have to take many elements into account, both on and off the field.

Although the coach did not elaborate on the off-field issues he referenced, his comments made clear that external factors influenced the selection process.

His message appeared intended to cool the growing speculation around tensions within the national team setup or any alleged fallout with the player.

Faé also reiterated that the winger’s absence should not be interpreted as punitive.

It was not at all a sporting sanction, he underlined, seeking to calm discussions that have dominated Ivorian football circles since the squad announcement.

His remarks suggested a desire to maintain stability and focus within the group ahead of the continental tournament, where expectations for the Elephants remain high.

The debate surrounding Pépé’s exclusion reflects his lingering status as a significant figure in Ivorian football, despite recent fluctuations in form and injuries across club spells in England, Turkey and now Spain.

His supporters argue that his creativity and experience would have strengthened the squad, while others acknowledge the coaching staff’s right to consider wider dynamics.

As Ivory Coast prepare for the competition, Faé’s insistence that the decision was multifaceted may not end the debate, but it signals a clear attempt to draw a line under the issue and shift attention back to the team’s ambitions on the continental stage.