Former Ivory coast and Chelsea talisman, Didier Drogba’s chances of emerging the President of Ivory Coast’s Football Federation suffered a setback after players declined endorsing his candidacy for the top position.
The 42-year-old is one of the three prominent candidates for the Ivorian Football Federation top job but he is yet to gain the endorsement of any of the five special interest groups necessary to get onto the ballot for the September election.
Drogba expected to get support of the footballer’s union, header by erstwhile team mate Cyrille Domoraud, but the group opted to support Idriss Diallo, one of the two opposition candidates.
The Association of Ivorian Footballers in a statement said, “The majority of our members decided to grant our endorsement to the list led by Mr. Idriss Diallo.”
The association added that they were pledging allegiance to a grouping formed three years ago to contest the elections, prior to Drogba declaring his interest. For the position.
Local coaches’ association had equally endorsed the candidacy of Diallo.
Drogba has also failed to win the endorsement of the referees and the association of former professionals, who are supporting rival Sory Diabate.
The former captain of the national team stands a test to receive the backing of association of football medical practitioners to qualify to stand for election on September 5. Their decision is due in the coming weeks.
In addition to gaining endorsement of the special groups, candidates vying for the FA President must equally be nominated by three out of the 14 clubs in Ligue 1 and two from lower divisions.
Drogba represented Ivory Coast at three and was a key figure as the country reached two finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, also earning legendary status among fans for his exploits with Chelsea in the Premier League and Champions League.
Source: CGTN Africa