Posted by Ivorian and Chelsea football legend Didier Drogba on Saturday August 1 officially submitted his candidacy for the presidency of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) .
The former Chelsea striker has pledged to help revive the sport which he says is “going badly”.
In mid-July, Drogba’s hopes of becoming the President of Ivorian football suffered a severe blow when the Ivorian Football Association (AFI), a group headed by former team mate Cyrille Domoraud refused to sponsor him . They were supporting Idriss Diallo, one of the two other candidates.
“The majority of our members decided to grant our endorsement to the list led by Mr. Idriss Diallo,” said a statement by the Association of Ivorian Footballers, adding they were remaining loyal to a grouping formed three years ago to contest the elections, before Drogba had declared his candidacy.
However, Drogba has since managed to secure eight sponsorships and support from one of the five interest groups needed to run for the election.
“It is not so much being president of the FIF that interests me, but it is the mission that binds this function”, said Drogba in front of a large crowd after submitting his candidacy.
“Our football is going badly, we are committed to contributing to the rebirth of Ivorian football”, he added.
The AFI was last week suspended by the International Federation of Professional Footballers Associations (Fifpro) for “non-compliance” after refusing to support Didier Drogba’s candidacy for the head of the FIF.
Drogba will compete with Idriss Diallo and Sory Diabate in the election on September 5.
The Ivorian legend played in three World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014) with the Ivory Coast and twice helped them to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (2006, 2012) failing to win it on all two occasions.
He also earned cult status among fans for his exploits with Marseille in Ligue One, Chelsea in the Premier League and Champions League. He retired from football in 2018.
Photo credit: Bleacher report