Ivory Coast's bold attempt to rehire former coach Herve Renard for the remainder of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on a loan deal has failed.
Despite reaching the last 16 of the competition, the host nation was not able to secure Renard "on loan" from the France women's national team.
Following two defeats in the group stage, the Elephants sacked manager Jean-Louis Gasset on Wednesday, January 24.
Following Gasset's departure, Ivory Coast has advanced to the knock-out stages as one of the top four third-place finishers.
They are now set to face defending champions Senegal in the next round on Monday, January 29.
Meanwhile, the host nation has expressed interest in recruiting Renard 'on loan', who previously led them to the AFCON title in 2015.
It is typical for players to go on loan, but it is unheard of for a national team coach to do so.
However, the 2023 AFCON hosts sought to make history by approaching the French Women’s national team to try and loan him for the remainder of the continental tournament.
According to reports, the country's football federation was eager to rehire Renard after dismissing former manager Jean-Louis Gasset.
Although the Frenchman was reportedly interested in returning to the Ivorians, he required approval from the FFF.
Unfortunately, negotiations with the French federation for a potential loan deal for Renard fell through on Thursday.
Following the unsuccessful bid, the 55-year-old Renard told broadcaster Canal Plus: "The negotiations did not finish favorably, it's because it shouldn't have been. I'd have loved it but fate chose otherwise."
Renard will ever remain popular in Ivory Coast for leading the country to their second AFCON title, following his previous success with Zambia in 2012.
The 55-year-old also achieved a surprise World Cup victory with Saudi Arabia against eventual champion Argentina before he took over the France women's team last year.
Renard is currently under contract with the France Football Federation until the end of this year's Olympic Games in Paris.
Also, the French manager is to lead Les Bleus as they set to compete in a Uefa Women's Nations League semi-final against Germany in Lyon on 23 February.
Ivory Coast suffered a 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in their final group-stage match, jeopardizing their automatic qualification for the knockout stage.
This loss marked the worst defeat by a host nation in AFCON history. Despite this setback, Ivory Coast still had a chance to advance as one of the four best third-place finishers.
The host nation secured their spot in the last 16 on Wednesday, January 24 following Morocco's victory over Zambia.
Meanwhile, former international Emerse Fae has replaced Gasset in an interim role.
The 40-year-old, Emerse Fae will likely stay in charge of Ivory Coast match against defending champion Senegal in Yamoussoukro on Monday, January 29 at 20:00GMT.
Despite reaching the last 16 of the competition, the host nation was not able to secure Renard "on loan" from the France women's national team.
Following two defeats in the group stage, the Elephants sacked manager Jean-Louis Gasset on Wednesday, January 24.
Following Gasset's departure, Ivory Coast has advanced to the knock-out stages as one of the top four third-place finishers.
They are now set to face defending champions Senegal in the next round on Monday, January 29.
Meanwhile, the host nation has expressed interest in recruiting Renard 'on loan', who previously led them to the AFCON title in 2015.
It is typical for players to go on loan, but it is unheard of for a national team coach to do so.
However, the 2023 AFCON hosts sought to make history by approaching the French Women’s national team to try and loan him for the remainder of the continental tournament.
According to reports, the country's football federation was eager to rehire Renard after dismissing former manager Jean-Louis Gasset.
Although the Frenchman was reportedly interested in returning to the Ivorians, he required approval from the FFF.
Unfortunately, negotiations with the French federation for a potential loan deal for Renard fell through on Thursday.
Following the unsuccessful bid, the 55-year-old Renard told broadcaster Canal Plus: "The negotiations did not finish favorably, it's because it shouldn't have been. I'd have loved it but fate chose otherwise."
Renard will ever remain popular in Ivory Coast for leading the country to their second AFCON title, following his previous success with Zambia in 2012.
The 55-year-old also achieved a surprise World Cup victory with Saudi Arabia against eventual champion Argentina before he took over the France women's team last year.
Renard is currently under contract with the France Football Federation until the end of this year's Olympic Games in Paris.
Also, the French manager is to lead Les Bleus as they set to compete in a Uefa Women's Nations League semi-final against Germany in Lyon on 23 February.
Ivory Coast suffered a 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in their final group-stage match, jeopardizing their automatic qualification for the knockout stage.
This loss marked the worst defeat by a host nation in AFCON history. Despite this setback, Ivory Coast still had a chance to advance as one of the four best third-place finishers.
The host nation secured their spot in the last 16 on Wednesday, January 24 following Morocco's victory over Zambia.
Meanwhile, former international Emerse Fae has replaced Gasset in an interim role.
What's next for Ivory Coast?
The 40-year-old, Emerse Fae will likely stay in charge of Ivory Coast match against defending champion Senegal in Yamoussoukro on Monday, January 29 at 20:00GMT.