Azam FC head coach Jean-Florent Ibenge will not become the new head coach of the Mali national football team after withdrawing from the selection process at its final stage.
Reports from the Malian Football Federation (FEMAFOOT) indicate that Ibenge had reached advanced talks and was considered the leading candidate to take over the national team, known as “The Eagles.”
However, he has suddenly pulled out of the process, citing family reasons that prevented him from continuing with the new role. The decision has come as a surprise to Mali football officials, especially since the process was already nearing completion.
Officials within FEMAFOOT have expressed disappointment, saying valuable time was lost during a period when they expected to announce a new coach. Some believe that if family challenges existed, Ibenge should have raised them earlier before reaching the final stages of negotiations.
It is reported that Ibenge had successfully completed all interviews and evaluations and was approved as the top choice for the job, but he withdrew just before final confirmation.
The Malian Football Federation is now continuing its search for a new head coach and is expected to return to its earlier shortlist of candidates.
Meanwhile, Azam FC is said to be making strong efforts to convince Ibenge to stay, and he may extend his contract with the club to continue as head coach.
