Drogba cleared to contest for Ivory Coast FA presidency

The Ivorian Football Federation has confirmed that former Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba is in the running to become the next FIF president.

The elections will finally take place on April 23, having been delayed since September 2020 due to concerns over the eligibility of certain candidates.

Drogba, who is the Elephants’ all-time leading scorer with 65 goals from 105 appearances, was informed in August 2020 that he was ineligible to stand for elections.

However, the Chelsea legend formally submitted his documents on Monday after FIFA gave him the green light to be included in the ballot.

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“The candidacy for the presidency of the Ivorian football federation is closed,” FIF normalisation committee president Mariam Dao Gabala told a news conference.

“Six candidates have been registered. They are Yatte Ellele Jean-Baptiste, Arnaud Aka, Laurent Kouakou, Idriss Diallo, Sory Diabate and Didier Drogba.”

Drogba is determined to bring change to Ivorian football, saying: “Finally here we are. I can’t wait for the campaign to start. Have strong faith in me to bring Ivorian football to life if elected.”

The 44-year-old told BBC Sport Africa last week: “I can bring the change that the federation and the clubs need. Football isn’t rising the way it should and the way we want it in Ivory Coast.”