Nicolas Pépé hit by racist abuse and Africa Cup of Nations snub after YouTube video | OneFootball

Nicolas Pépé has endured what he described as a double punishment, racist abuse followed by a surprise omission from Côte d’Ivoire’s Africa Cup of Nations squad in Morocco.

According to L'Équipe, the Villarreal forward appeared in a 72-hour YouTube profile published on 5 December, then was left out for reasons beyond pure sporting merit, with recent media comments weighing against him. Head coach Émerse Faé presented the decision as not a sporting sanction and said selection also considers matters off the pitch.

In the video he joked about Morocco’s record at the tournament, a clip that drew a torrent of racist harassment, and he later apologised. The Ivorian federation subsequently issued a statement condemning the abuse and welcoming his apology.

Pépé also aired strong views on dual nationals, arguing players who choose France before switching to an African team should be sidelined, and citing goalkeeper Alban Lafont as an example, remarks he later characterised as dressing-room banter.

After the squad announcement he posted again, acknowledging the double punishment and wishing team-mates well, while his sister Corinne and creator Just Riadh expressed dismay at the backlash. Capped 50 times with 11 goals, the former Lille and Arsenal winger has shared messages of support, including from Didier Drogba, though the omission ends any prospect of a fifth Africa Cup of Nations.

Source: L'Équipe