Nicolas Pépé leaves Ivory Coast squad for family reasons

Nicolas Pépé has left the Ivory Coast squad after being granted permission to return home for family reasons following the Elephants’ match against Somalia.

The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) said the forward was exceptionally released from international duty with the agreement of head coach Hervé Renard and his technical staff.

Pépé left the national team camp to be with his wife, who was about to give birth.

The decision was made for family and personal reasons, according to the federation, which confirmed that the player’s departure had been authorised by the coaching staff.

The Ivory Coast international had been part of the Elephants squad for their latest fixture against Somalia before being allowed to leave the camp.

The FIF said the decision was taken with the agreement of Renard and the technical staff, allowing Pépé to join his wife at an important moment for his family.

The federation also sent its best wishes to the player and his wife as they await the arrival of their child.

“The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) clarifies that this decision is due to family and personal reasons.”

The federation added: “The Federation extends its best wishes to Nicolas Pépé and his wife and hopes they receive a happy event.”

Pépé’s departure means he will no longer remain with the Elephants squad after the match against Somalia, with the federation confirming that his release was made on an exceptional basis.

The decision was agreed by the national coach and his technical staff, who gave the forward permission to leave the camp and attend to the family matter.

The FIF did not provide any further details about the circumstances surrounding the player’s departure beyond confirming that it was related to family and personal reasons.

The federation’s statement focused on supporting Pépé and his wife as they prepare for the birth.

For the Ivory Coast forward, the decision allows him to be with his wife during the birth of their child after completing his involvement with the Elephants for the match against Somalia.

The federation has wished Pépé and his wife well and expressed hope that the family will have a happy event.