Patrice Beaumelle gives a press conference on the eve of the friendly football match between France and Cote d’Ivoire at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, southern France, on March 24, 2022. /CFP
Cote d'Ivoire opted not to renew the contract of Patrice Beaumelle as the national soccer team coach.
The Frenchman's two-year contract expired last week.
Despite boasting of a talented squad at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) played in January-February 2022, the Elephants were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Egypt, who went on to reach the final.
The West Africans were seen as one of the favorites going into the tournament.
While announcing the decision not to renew Beaumelle's contract, the FIF lauded him for his professionalism during his tenure.
"The committee salutes [Beaumelle's] human qualities, commitment, professionalism, humility and discretion," the federation wrote in a statement on their official website.
"While welcoming the open-mindedness of the French technician and the good collaboration with the FIF, the committee wishes him a happy continuation of his career."
Beaumelle took charge of Cote d'Ivoire's national soccer team in March 2020 for his second stint as a technical team member of the Elephants.
Previously, he had served as the assistant coach under his compatriot Herve Renard when they won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Elephants continue to hunt down a third AFCON title to show for their pool of current talents, and will be making another try in the 2023 AFCON which Cote d'Ivoire will host.