Overview
- The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed Renard's appointment on Tuesday, saying he replaces Emerse Fae and will lead the team through upcoming competitions.
- Renard is due to arrive in Abidjan in the coming days for a formal unveiling and to begin work with the squad before AFCON 2027 qualifying starts.
- The coach’s immediate task is to prepare Ivory Coast for the 2027 AFCON qualifying group, which opens with a home fixture against Ghana in September.
- The decision not to renew Emerse Fae’s contract drew surprise because Fae won the 2024 AFCON on home soil and guided Ivory Coast to the World Cup last 32 in 2026.
- Renard brings proven African experience, having won AFCON with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015, and his rehiring follows a pattern of federations returning to veteran foreign coaches for short competitive cycles.