Oumar Solet receives FIFA clearance to represent Ivory Coast

Oumar Solet has officially received clearance from FIFA to represent Ivory Coast after the international governing body approved his request to switch national associations.

The defender had been unavailable for the Elephants’ 2-1 defeat to The Gambia on Thursday, November 12, in their third match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers because his eligibility documents had not yet been approved.

However, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has now confirmed that the situation has been resolved, paving the way for the centre-back to make his international debut for the West African nation.

In a statement released on Friday, November 13, the federation announced that FIFA had delivered a favourable decision through the Sole Judge of the Players’ Status Committee regarding Solet’s application to change his international allegiance.

The decision officially makes the defender eligible to represent Ivory Coast with immediate effect, allowing him to be considered for selection in the team’s upcoming fixtures.

The development represents a boost for head coach Hervé Renard, who can now include the former France youth international in his plans as the Elephants seek to strengthen their defensive options.

Solet, who previously had the option of representing France, has opted to commit his international future to Ivory Coast, with FIFA’s approval completing the necessary administrative process.

The defender is now eligible to feature in the return fixture against The Gambia on November 17, where Ivory Coast will look to respond after suffering defeat in the first meeting. His availability gives Renard another defensive option as the Elephants continue their campaign to secure qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.