Crisis As Coach Backs Out Of Mali Head Coach Job After Appointment

Crisis As Coach Backs Out Of Mali Head Coach Job After Appointment

Sampson Adedeji

The Mali Football Federation (FEMAFOOT) has been thrown into uncertainty following the decision of coach Florent Ibenge to withdraw from the race for the national team head coach position after initially emerging as the preferred candidate, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Reports indicate that officials of the federation are unhappy with Ibenge's decision, which was reportedly based on family reasons, after negotiations had reached an advanced stage.

According to sources close to the process, Ibenge successfully went through the recruitment stages and was selected ahead of other candidates for the role.

 However, before the finalization of his appointment, the experienced coach informed FEMAFOOT that family commitments would prevent him from taking up the position.

The development has reportedly angered several federation leaders, who believe the coach should have disclosed any potential obstacles earlier in the recruitment process.

Officials are said to be frustrated by the time lost during negotiations, insisting that the federation could have shifted attention to alternative candidates much sooner had they been informed of his reservations earlier.

With the coaching position still vacant, FEMAFOOT is now expected to resume its search for a new head coach as preparations continue for upcoming international assignments.