Cote D’Ivoire, the hosts of the Africa Cup of Nations, faced a setback in their attempt to appoint Herve Renard as coach for the remainder of the tournament, as the French Football Federation (FFF) declined to release him.
The FFF confirmed their decision, stating that they were unwilling to loan the 55-year-old, who currently serves as the coach of the French women’s team.
Discussions had occurred between the Ivorian Football Federation and their French counterparts in a bid to bring Renard in midway through the AFCON.
Renard, who led the Elephants to the 2015 AFCON title, enjoys significant popularity in Cote d’Ivoire.
He also claimed victory in the competition with Zambia in 2012 and has managed Morocco and Angola.
However, Renard is contractually bound as the coach of the French women’s team until the end of the Paris Olympics this year, and the team is scheduled to play a UEFA Nations League semi-final against Germany in Lyon on February 23.
Despite the Ivorians’ hope to have Renard on the bench for their last-16 tie against reigning champions Senegal on Monday, the AFCON final is set for February 11.
The Elephants, qualifying as the best third-placed team, navigated through the group stage with a win against Guinea-Bissau, a loss to Nigeria, and a defeat to Equatorial Guinea.
In response to the team’s unconvincing form at the AFCON, coach Jean-Louis Gasset was sacked on Wednesday, with former player Emerse Fae appointed as interim boss.