The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) and FIFA organized a training seminar on April 14 and 15 at the Sana Hotel in Akouedo for the 16 Ligue 1 clubs. The goal: to strengthen club management skills and lay the foundations for a more structured and competitive Ivorian football system.

The closing ceremony, held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, was marked by the awarding of diplomas to the club representatives. Mr. Armand Gohourou, Executive Director of the FIF, praised the quality of the discussions:

“Today, our clubs understand the urgency of moving toward the international stage. We need realistic ambitions, built on the unique realities of each structure.”

He announced the implementation of a rigorous follow-up process: each club will now be required to develop a strategic plan. The two best projects on the African level will be presented in Los Angeles in June 2025, during the FIFA Club World Cup.

This pilot program, launched with Ligue 1 clubs, will soon be extended to lower divisions. For Mr. Armand Gohourou, the goal is to build strong and well-organized clubs — a project anticipated since 2022 by the FIF.

Mrs. Fatou Camara, Manager of the FIFA office in Dakar and FIFA representative, highlighted the importance of such initiatives for the development of African football.

“This program aims to narrow the gap between African clubs and those from other continents. We hope to see Côte d’Ivoire among the top plans submitted,” she said.

Colette Gaston Laurent, an expert in club structuring and former trainer at FC Barcelona, emphasized the country’s immense potential:

“Côte d’Ivoire is full of talent. The real challenge is organizing, structuring, and promoting these assets at the local level.”

Former Ivorian international Didier Otokoré, who attended the seminar, encouraged investment in academies. According to him, “Football is good business. Every club should have its own academy — it’s crucial for sustainability. My own club is in the third division, but we aim to reach Ligue 1 within the next three years.”

This initiative marks a turning point in the professionalization of Ivorian football, with a strong focus on planning, modern management, and continuous training.