Ivory Coast: doubts over national team’s medical care?

Some players demand their own medical staff

Africa 09 July 2026 at 08:00

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Ivory Coast: doubts over national team’s medical care?

The Elephants’ elimination in the round of 16 of the World Cup against Norway with a 2-1 defeat continues to stir controversy. Behind the scenes, another issue is causing concern: injury management.

According to journalist Malick Traoré from NCI, several Ivorian internationals are questioning the effectiveness of the national team’s medical staff. Reportedly, tensions have escalated to the point where key players requested permission to attend the training camp with their own personal medical teams—a request that was denied by officials.

Ivory Coast national team players do not trust their own medical staff. From what I’ve learned, this staff does not provide them with proper care, especially in the case of injuries. That’s why some players asked to bring their own staff...
— Malick Traoré (@mlktraore) July 8, 2026

This situation is fueling criticism at a time when Ivory Coast exits the World Cup in the round of 16 after a 2-1 loss to Norway. With both on-field results and internal tensions mounting, the Ivorian Football Federation will have to provide swift answers to calm the dressing room and look ahead to upcoming challenges with renewed confidence.