The Ivorian Football Federation surprised Ligue 1 club Clermont Foot by issuing a 50,000 euro check in the wake of their 2023 African Cup of Nations triumph against Nigeria on February 11.
The origins of this fortune trace back to a strategic move made by Clermont back in June 2022.
During that time, Emerse Faé, former FC Nantes midfielder, was serving as the coach of Clermont's reserve team under contract until 2024. However, Faé was enticed by an offer from the Ivorian Federation to join their ranks as an assistant coach for the national team. Clermont, recognizing the opportunity, agreed to release Faé under a set of conditions.
These conditions included the arrangement of a friendly match to be hosted by Clermont before June 2024.
Additionally, Clermont stipulated a payment clause: 25,000 euros would be due in the event of Ivory Coast's coronation at the AFCON, with an additional 25,000 euros payable if Faé were to be appointed as the head coach of the Ivorian national team.