The Ivorian football world is in mourning following the death of Mr. Sam Jean-Baptiste Etiassé , a retired Prefect and former Executive Director of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF). His passing leaves a considerable void, but also a legacy marked by integrity and excellence.

An Exemplary Servant at the Heart of Football

From 2016 to 2021, Mr. Etiassé dedicated his experience as a senior civil servant to national sport. Discreet yet possessing unwavering determination , he embodied quality public service. His management of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) was characterized by professional rigor without rigidity, combining firmness with loyalty to the institution.

It was this work ethic and his keen sense of duty to the state that earned him the unanimous respect of his peers. He was a man of principle, whose integrity continued to inspire far beyond his duties in the Federation.

Tribute to a Man of Integrity

The President of the FIF, Yacine Idriss Diallo , expressed the Federation's emotion at this loss, paying tribute to the memory of a great man:

"Beyond titles and positions, Mr. Etiassé was a man whose integrity transcended roles . His memory will live on in the hearts of those he inspired, in every act of loyalty to our sport, and in every decision guided by the common good."

Ivory Coast today mourns the passing of a builder , a man who skillfully combined the demands of rigor with the warmth of humanity , putting his career and his passion at the service of the nation and its football.

His memory will remain a source of inspiration for all those involved in Ivorian sport.