Ivory Coast weigh five markedly different options to replace Emerse Fae

Ivory Coast must appoint a new head coach after the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed that Emerse Fae will leave the Elephants when his contract expires.

Fae, 42, was appointed permanently in February 2024 after taking over from Jean-Louis Gasset during the Africa Cup of Nations and guiding the hosts to the title. He subsequently led Ivory Coast to the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup, the first time the country had reached that stage.

His departure brings an end to a short but historic spell in charge and leaves the FIF searching for a successor capable of developing one of Africa’s most promising young squads.

Although Ivory Coast were eliminated by Norway in their opening knockout match at the World Cup, Fae leaves behind a talented group featuring Yan Diomande, Amad Diallo, Bazoumana Toure, Ousmane Diomande and Christ Inao Oulai.

The circumstances surrounding his exit have prompted speculation. A journalist named Magate reported rumours that the Sports Ministry had favoured a separation, despite FIF president Idriss Diallo wanting Fae to remain. Allegations concerning possible conflicts of interest involving Fae’s wife, a players’ agent, were also said to have created suspicion around the national team.

The team’s cautious approach at the World Cup and the defeat by Norway may have contributed to the decision. However, those claims remain attributed to their sources, while the FIF has only formally announced that its collaboration with Fae has ended.

The timing of the change is complicated by forthcoming internal elections at the federation. The next leadership may want influence over the appointment, and Fae is understood to have preferred leaving rather than accepting a short-term extension that would have amounted to a temporary solution.

Toure brothers offer different possibilities

If Ivory Coast want to continue with an Ivorian coach, Kolo Toure would be a natural candidate.

The former defender won 120 caps between 2000 and 2015 and retains considerable authority with the players. He knows the Elephants’ environment well and briefly joined the national-team staff in 2017.

Since retiring, Toure has developed his coaching experience under high-profile managers. He worked with Brendan Rodgers at Celtic and Leicester before joining Pep Guardiola’s staff at Manchester City this season.

His major weakness is his limited experience as a head coach. Toure’s only previous senior management role came at Wigan in 2022, where he was dismissed after nine matches without a victory. His appointment would carry strong symbolic appeal but also considerable sporting risk.

The name of his younger brother, Yaya Toure, has also been mentioned. The former Manchester City midfielder has worked at Olimpik Donetsk, in Tottenham’s academy and at Standard Liege, before joining the Saudi Arabia national-team staff as an assistant to his mentor Roberto Mancini.

Yaya Toure has also identified former Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard as a major influence, alongside Mancini. He credits Rijkaard with shaping his tactical demands and Mancini with instilling passion and intensity.

Toure recently accepted his first role as a number one at Slovan Bratislava, signing a three-year contract. After only a few weeks in the job, it appears unlikely that he would abandon the project. The prospect of the two Toure brothers leading the Elephants together is attractive, but currently looks more like an ambition than a realistic option.

Chelle and Regragui bring international experience

Eric Chelle would offer a more experienced profile.

Born in Abidjan, the French-Malian coach led Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before taking charge of Nigeria in January 2025. Despite Nigeria losing to DR Congo in the World Cup play-offs, Chelle improved the Super Eagles and guided them to third place at the Africa Cup of Nations.

His record of managing prominent players such as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, his attacking approach and his knowledge of African football would all appeal to Ivory Coast. He also knows the Algerian league from his time at MC Oran.

The obstacle is his contract. Chelle has recently extended his agreement with Nigeria, receiving a significant salary increase and wider responsibilities covering the country’s youth teams. Algeria have also reportedly contacted him, according to Foot Mercato, meaning the FIF would need to make a substantial effort to secure his services.

Walid Regragui is another available option. The French-Moroccan coach has been without a club or national-team role since leaving Morocco in March.

Regragui led Morocco to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and then won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, giving him rare experience of major international tournaments. His pragmatic style, knowledge of dual-national players and ability to build a strong collective would fit Ivory Coast’s requirements.

The question is whether he wants to return immediately to African international football after such an intense period with the Atlas Lions. Since leaving Morocco, Regragui has kept a low profile, although his name has been linked with Pyramids FC and a move to Ecuador.

Salary may not prove a decisive barrier. Fae was reportedly better paid than Regragui during the last Africa Cup of Nations, but the former Morocco manager’s willingness to take the job would be crucial.

Renard emerges as a leading contender

Herve Renard could ultimately become the favourite.

British journalist Pete O’Rourke has reported that the Frenchman is already being considered for a return to the Ivory Coast job, while Romain Molina says he has the backing of Idriss Diallo.

Renard would be an obvious fit. He guided Ivory Coast to the continental title in 2015 and has since managed Morocco, Saudi Arabia on two occasions, the France women’s team and, briefly, Tunisia during the 2026 World Cup.

His experience, reputation and understanding of African football would make him an immediately credible appointment. However, Renard is also wanted by Algeria, South Africa, Senegal and South Korea.

The FIF therefore has several contrasting routes to consider. It must decide whether to build on the foundations left by Fae or begin an entirely new era for the Elephants.