The Ivorian Football Federation has confirmed that Emerse Faé has stepped down as head coach following the expiration of his contract on July 31, ending a memorable two-and-a-half-year tenure with the Elephants.
Faé leaves after overseeing one of the most remarkable periods in Ivory Coast’s football history.
Appointed on an interim basis during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, the former midfielder transformed the team’s fortunes after replacing Jean-Louis Gasset, who was dismissed following a crushing 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in the group stage.
Against all odds, the Elephants progressed to the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams before embarking on an unforgettable title run.
They defeated defending champions Senegal on penalties in the Round of 16, edged Mali after extra time in a dramatic quarterfinal, overcame the Democratic Republic of Congo in the semifinal, and beat Nigeria 2-1 in the final at Stade d’Ebimpé to lift their third AFCON title and first since 2015.
Faé also guided Ivory Coast to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the tournament, the Elephants advanced beyond the group stage for the first time in four appearances, defeating Ecuador and Curaçao while suffering a narrow loss to Germany.
Their World Cup journey ended in the Last 32 after Norway secured a 2-1 victory. Amad Diallo had restored parity in the 74th minute after Antonio Nusa’s opener, but Erling Haaland struck four minutes from time to seal Norway’s passage.
Announcing Faé’s departure, the federation paid tribute to his achievements.
“The Executive Committee of the Ivorian Football Federation expresses its profound gratitude to Mr. Emerse Faé for his commitment, professionalism, and the services he rendered as head of the senior national team throughout his collaboration with the Federation,” the statement, as received by ESPN, began.
“It commends his contribution to the development of the national team and the results achieved under his leadership, which will remain an important part of the recent history of Ivorian football.
“The Executive Committee extends its sincerest wishes to Mr. Emerse Faé for every success in the continuation of his professional career.”
The federation also confirmed that a successor will be named in due course.
“The Ivorian Football Federation will, in due course, announce its decisions regarding the appointment of the new Head Coach of the senior national team,” concluded the statement, signed by FIF President Yacine Idriss Diallo, “as well as the composition of the new technical staff.”
Ivory Coast have been drawn alongside Ghana, Gambia and Somalia in the AFCON 2027 qualifying series, which begins in September.
The Elephants are the latest African side to make a coaching change after the World Cup.
Tunisia, Ghana and South Africa have also parted ways with the coaches who led them to the tournament, while Senegal recently confirmed the departure of AFCON-winning coach Pape Thiaw following their Last 32 exit to Belgium.
