Drogba still frontrunner in rumours of challenge to Diallo for Ivorian FA presidency

By David Owen

November 19 – Reports suggest that former Chelsea star Didier Drogba looks increasingly likely to make a bid for the presidency of the Ivorian football federation.

According to Jeune Afrique, the 41-year-old former national team captain recently met representatives of third division clubs in the city of Abidjan, subsequently declaring: “I am here to trigger a change, not to enrich myself at the federation, since I have decided to invest myself in local football in a country I love.”

An election is expected in the first quarter of next year. Incumbent president, Augustin Sidy Diallo is said to have not yet announced whether he intends to seek a third term.

Drogba is an absolute monument of football in Côte d’Ivoire. He retired from the national team five years ago having notched a record 65 goals in 105 appearances. This included playing in three consecutive World Cups between 2006 and 2014, and two African Cup of Nations finals, both lost on penalties.

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