Ivorian Federation Backs Nicolas Pépé, Sees AFCON Morocco as Platform for Renewed Commitment to Respect and Anti-Discrimination

The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced its full support for player Nicolas Pépé following the racist insults he received in recent days. This came after Pépé spoke disrespectfully about the Moroccan national team in a video clip.

A statement from the federation read: “The President of the Ivorian Football Federation, Yacine Idriss Diallo, and the members of the Executive Committee condemn in the strongest terms the racist insults to which Ivorian international Nicolas Pépé has been subjected across social media platforms.”

It continued: “The player had previously apologized for the misunderstanding resulting from a past joke, which the Federation considered a commendable gesture of appeasement. Nevertheless, it emphasizes that no ambiguity or joke can justify the hateful and discriminatory rhetoric spreading online.”

The Ivorian Football Federation affirmed in its statement that mutual respect, brotherhood, and solidarity among peoples remain fundamental values upon which African football is built.

The statement concluded: “With the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco, a country of hospitality and openness, the Federation renews its full commitment to promoting football based on respect, unity, and the fight against all forms of discrimination.”