Pepe Excluded from Upcoming Friendly Matches

Omission from Friendlies

Pepe has been left out of the selected team for two upcoming friendly matches against South Korea in Milton Keynes, England, on Saturday, and Scotland in Liverpool on March 31st.

Previous Tournament Absence

The 30-year-old forward also did not participate in the Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco at the start of the year, where the Ivorian national team aimed to defend their championship but faced elimination in the quarter-finals.

Player Background

The former Arsenal striker, who was born in France, has netted five goals in LaLiga for Villarreal this season. He last represented the Ivory Coast, earning his 50th cap, in October. Shortly after that match, he became embroiled in controversy due to remarks he made in a YouTube video regarding Morocco’s dismal performance at the Cup of Nations.

Controversy and Apology

While he issued an apology for his comments, Pepe reported experiencing racial harassment online and voiced his concerns about the lack of support from the Ivorian football federation.

World Cup Group Placement

Ivory Coast is currently set to compete in World Cup Group E, alongside Ecuador, Germany, and Curacao.