MONTPELLIER, France (AP) – Jean-Louis Gasset, the French coach who was sacked midway through the tournament before Ivory Coast won the 2023 African Cup of Nations, has died at the age of 72.
“The loss of Jean-Louis Gasset is a significant blow to Ivory Coast and international football,” the Ivorian Football Federation said in a statement on Friday. “An experienced coach and a man of duty and principles, he has left his mark on the technical management of Ivory Coast Elephants through his expertise, professional rigor and dedication to the sport.
“His tenure at the helm of the national team contributed decisively to the Elephants’ success in the African Cup and cemented his legacy in Ivorian sporting history.”
Gasset is the son of Bernard Gasset, one of Montpellier’s founding members, and played for the club before moving into coaching.
He has been Montpellier’s manager three times, most recently from October 2024 to April 2025.
Gassett previously coached at other French clubs, including Marseille, but rose to international prominence after taking over as Les Elephant manager in 2022.
he was He was fired on the same day the hosts reached the knockout stages. They were unable to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup as they were unable to secure a place in the top two.
Ivory Coast had to rely on other results, but ultimately won the tournament under assistant Emers Faye, who still coaches the team that defends its title in the competition. africa cup In Morocco.
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Associated Press on Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
