The start of the Ivorian Ligue 1 has been postponed yet again, following club presidents’ protests over financial and structural issues. The move has sparked deep frustration among players, who have spent weeks preparing for a season that remains in limbo.
Reasons for the Postponement:
Disagreement over new format
The proposed two-stage championship with a super division has been rejected by club leaders during a meeting in Sol Beni.
Financial concerns
Club officials are demanding half of the state subsidy before agreeing to the season’s kickoff.
Administrative delays
The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has not yet announced a new start date, deepening uncertainty across the domestic football landscape.
Player Reaction:
Moutaka Agodomou, a Togolese player with Denguelé FC, voiced his disappointment to africatopsports.com:
“It’s the third time the championship has been postponed. It’s really strange. They’re waiting for the state to release the money. We’ve been working hard for two months… It’s frustrating, especially since no new date has been set.”
He also warned of a knock-on effect on the national team‘s preparations for the UEMOA tournament, due to reduced match fitness and competitive rhythm among players.
Denguelé FC’s Ambitions:
Despite the disruption, Agodomou highlighted Denguelé FC’s strong ambitions for the season, citing reinforcements:
Sankara (Burkina Faso)
Dieng (Senegal)
Agodomou (Togo)
“The club wants to play for titles this year. That’s why the management has strengthened the team.”
Summary:
The repeated delays reflect deep-rooted financial and organizational challenges in Ivorian football. Until the FIF and club presidents resolve the subsidy and format issues, the league remains stalled—leaving players idle and club plans in suspense.
