The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has confirmed that Emerse Faé will leave his role as head coach of the national team after his contract expired, bringing to an end a memorable spell that included Africa Cup of Nations glory and a return to the FIFA World Cup.
The federation announced on Friday that Faé’s contract, which ended on 31 July 2026, would not be renewed.
While confirming the decision, FIF paid tribute to the 42-year-old for his contribution to the development of the national team and the results achieved during his tenure.
The governing body also revealed that the process of appointing a new coach is already underway, adding that the identity of Faé’s successor and the composition of the new technical staff will be announced at a later date.
The announcement marks the end of one of the most remarkable coaching stories in recent African football.
Faé took charge of the Elephants under extraordinary circumstances during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations after Jean-Louis Gasset left his position midway through the tournament, which was hosted by Ivory Coast.
Initially appointed on an interim basis in January 2024, Faé oversaw an unforgettable turnaround that culminated in Ivory Coast lifting the continental title after defeating Nigeria in the final.
His success prompted the federation to hand him the job permanently on 20 February 2024, rewarding a remarkable run that transformed him from caretaker coach into a national hero.
His time in charge extended beyond the AFCON triumph.
Under Faé, Ivory Coast qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and progressed to the second round of the tournament before their campaign ended with a round-of-16 defeat to Norway.
Those achievements strengthened his reputation as one of the continent’s emerging coaches and ensured his tenure would be remembered as one of the most successful periods in recent Ivorian football.
Despite those accomplishments, both coach and federation have now decided to move in different directions.
According to the federation, the decision not to renew Faé’s contract comes as Ivory Coast prepares to appoint a new technical team.
The timing of his departure also coincides with preparations for internal elections within the Ivorian Football Federation.
Reports suggest that the leadership transition has complicated plans regarding the national team’s future, with the incoming administration expected to play a significant role in selecting the next head coach rather than inheriting a decision taken by the outgoing leadership.
That context is believed to have contributed to Faé’s departure after two and a half years in charge.
Attention has already shifted towards who could succeed him.
Former Ivory Coast coach Hervé Renard has emerged as an early candidate for the vacancy.
According to reports, the Frenchman is among the names being linked with a return to the Elephants after previously guiding the country to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title.
Renard’s extensive African coaching experience includes spells with Morocco and Saudi Arabia, while he most recently served in an interim role with Tunisia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His familiarity with Ivorian football has inevitably fuelled speculation over a possible second spell in charge, although the federation has yet to confirm any shortlist or preferred candidate.
