The 30-year-old winger has 50 caps and 11 international goals and played a prominent role in the country’s successful 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

But he only featured once in the AFCON qualifiers and was subsequently left out of the squad that has travelled to Morocco.

The former Arsenal attacker made some ill-timed comments aimed at the hosting nation, which appear to have cost the player his place in the Ivorian squad.

Speaking ahead of his side’s AFCON opener with Mozambique on Wednesday, Fae explained his position on AfricanFootball: “If we were to consider only the sporting aspect, he (Pepe) would be with us.

“To make a list you have to take into account many factors, both on and off the field. All these factors have led to Nico not being on the list.”

Pepe has two goals and one assist in 14 La Liga games for Villarreal this season. The club are enjoying their best-ever start to a league season.