Debrimou still had six months of his third mandate in charge remaining but has opted to stand down with immediate effect.

He has been accused of misappropriation and mismanagement of money.

Debrimou had already announced he would not seek another term at the helm of the governing body, with elections scheduled for June.

Nearly half of the 57 Ivorian athletics clubs present at the meeting gave Debrimou a vote of no confidence amid the claims of wrongdoing, which he denies.

A total of 18 clubs backed Debrimou to carry on.

Following his resignation, Debrimou remained defiant, insisting he had not "hijacked" any funds as had been suggested.

According to reports, he is now set to take his case to the National Olympic Committee, the Confederation of African Athletics and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

"I have requested evidence and the auditors have not been able to give evidence of the misappropriation," he said.

Debrimou also told Mondial Sport he was happy with the work he had done but was also relieved to be departing the position.

"I am proud of the work I have done," he said.

"I fulfilled my mission.

"I inherited a federation which was anachronistic, I brought it to a level where everyone is proud.

"I have obtained the recognition of the nation.

"Since I have hijacked no funds as some want to believe.

"The clubs, for reasons of their own, have not renewed their trust in me, I share relieved and I wish good luck to the new President to be elected."

Marie-Josée Ta Lou was the star Ivorian track and field performer at last year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, finishing fourth in both the 100 and 200 metres finals.

The IAAF told insidethegames that they would not be referring Debrimou to their Ethics Commission as the money involved is not their own. 

They will, instead, leave the matter to the local authorities.