The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has denied reports linking former Crystal Palace boss Frank de Boer with the vacant post of national team coach.

A statement from the FIF vice-president Sory Diabaté firmly described reports of an approach to de Boer as "completely unfounded".

"Report on 'Linfodrome' that FIF is preparing to appoint Dutchman Frank De Boer as coach of Ivory Coast is completely unfounded," Diabaté told the football authority's official website.

"It's no secret that FIF is searching for a new Elephants coach to replace Marc Wilmots.

"The Federation is working hard on this and will announce the name of the coach in due course," added Sory Diabaté.