The Ivorian football world has been shaken by recent statements from investigative journalist Romain Molina . In a hard-hitting publication dated February 26, 2026, the African football expert sheds light on internal tensions within the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), directly targeting its president, Idriss Diallo .

A superficial show of support for Emerse Faé?

According to Molina, the current Elephants coach, Emerse Faé , was never the FIF president's preferred choice. Describing the situation as an "open secret," the journalist asserts that:

1. A deep dislike: Idriss Diallo reportedly "never really wanted" Faé to be in charge of the national team.
2. Administrative negligence: The journalist points to a vague management by the coach's entourage, claiming that Faé's partner was acting as an agent to recruit young dual nationals without any opposition from the federation.
3. A lack of resolve: Molina severely criticizes Diallo's "lack of courage," predicting that this passivity will ultimately harm him.

Disappearance from the international scene

The article does not stop at the Ivorian borders. Romain Molina paints a portrait of a leader seeking recognition from the CAF and FIFA bodies, even at the cost of sacrificing national interests.

“Idriss Diallo is not a dishonest or greedy president. He simply lacks the courage to follow through on his thoughts.” — Romain Molina

The journalist argues that Diallo prefers to curry favor with influential figures like Patrice Motsepe or Fouzi Lekjaa rather than firmly defend his positions within the CAF Executive Committee. This "good student" strategy, according to the investigator, has proven unsuccessful, as the FIF president recently failed to secure a seat on the prestigious FIFA Council.

A crisis situation for regional federations

Molina's statement is part of a series of revelations concerning West Africa. Alongside the Ivorian case, the journalist revealed that a complaint for "abuse of power" had been filed with FIFA against the president of the Guinean Football Federation, Sory Doumbouya .

For the time being, the FIF has remained silent and has not issued any official statement to deny or clarify these allegations which tarnish the image of the governance of Ivorian football.