While Ivory Coast celebrates its heroic qualification for the round of 16 after a 3-2 victory against Gabon, a case of influence and behind-the-scenes pressure is casting a shadow over the atmosphere within the national team. At the heart of the tensions: former international Max Alain Gradel and his methods for transitioning to a new career.

A sporting achievement that masks underlying flaws

On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the Marrakech stadium erupted with excitement as Ivory Coast staged a remarkable comeback. Trailing 2-0, the Elephants overturned a 2-0 deficit against Gabon to seize first place in Group F. While Emerse Faé's coaching and the team's fighting spirit have been widely praised, the atmosphere within the squad is far from idyllic. Sources close to the national team are denouncing "external interference" that is disrupting the serenity of the locker room.

Max Alain Gradel: From contested captain to influential middleman

Retired from playing, former winger Max Alain Gradel is now under scrutiny. Despite holding no official position with the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), he is reportedly very closely involved with young players.

This protective "big brother" role may conceal a more commercial reality: having become an agent/intermediary, Gradel is accused of using his legendary status to try to control the careers of new talents. This divisive behavior is reminiscent of his past locker room disputes, notably the episode of losing the captain's armband to Serey Dié.

The Yann Diomandé "case": A battle for influence

The unease is crystallizing around Yann Diomandé . The young full-back, recently transferred from Leganés to RB Leipzig, is at the center of a power struggle.

1. The facts: Gradel allegedly facilitated the transfer to Germany, but is now trying to establish himself as his main agent at the expense of the Inter Foot Sud Comoé Academy, which has been following the player since he was 9 years old.
2. The methods: The player's family denounces persistent pressure and a discourse deemed "anxiety-inducing".
3. The alleged blackmail: Even more serious, testimonies indicate that Gradel is implying that the continued existence of a place in the national team would depend on collaboration with his management structure.

A system that extends to other hopes

Yann Diomandé is not an isolated target. Young Oulaï Inaho and his entourage have also reportedly been approached with promises of accelerated career advancement, bypassing existing agents. These practices raise a major ethical question: how can young international players be protected from the influence of their elders?

Emerse Fae's challenge

For the coach, the stakes now go beyond the game itself. With the round of 16 approaching, Faé absolutely must "protect" his dressing room to prevent these agent wars from shattering team cohesion.

If Ivory Coast wants to go all the way in this 2025 AFCON, it will have to solve its internal governance problems with as much vigor as it puts into overcoming its opponents on the field.

Note: At present, Max Alain Gradel, who is in Marrakech, has not responded to our requests to give his version of events.