Ivory Coast national team: Yacine Idriss Diallo makes a surprising statement about local players

In the midst of his campaign for a new term as head of the Ivorian Football Federation, Yacine Idriss Diallo has made a remarkable statement. Appearing as a guest on La3, the president suggested that players from the national league are not good enough to play for the national team.

A shocking statement

Asked to comment on the management of the national team and, in particular, his lack of involvement with the Ivorian Ligue 1, Yacine Idriss Diallo was blunt. “The national players are not good enough to play for the national team. Our league is not developed enough, like those in Europe, to allow us to select players.” This remark quickly sparked reactions from supporters and figures within local football.

Timing that raises questions

This outburst comes whilst the president is in the midst of a campaign to secure a new term as head of the FIF. It is a line of argument aimed at justifying the absence of local players from the Elephants’ squads in recent years. For Diallo, the standard of the Ivorian Ligue 1 does not currently allow it to provide competitive players for the senior national team.

Nafongo TRAORE |

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Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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Ivory Coast

Ligue 1 Ivory Coast