Chelsea Legend Didier Drogba Joins Ivorian FA Presidential Race

Former Chelsea player Didier Drogba is vying to become the next Ivory Coast FA president.

The 42-year-old made his candidacy public in Abidjan and he was greeted by thousands of fans in his native country after confirming his interest in becoming the next FA president.

Drogba will compete with four other candidates for the highest position in football administration in his nation, and the election is scheduled to take place on September 5, 2020.

However, the former Ivorian national’s ambition is marred by a major setback – the Ivory Coast Footballers Association has reportedly refused to support his candidacy.

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba mobbed by thousands of supporters as he enters race to be president of Ivory Coast football https://t.co/Jugpwfp6VO

— Sun Sport (@SunSport) August 3, 2020

A report by The Sun quotes Drogba as saying:

Football is everyone’s sport, football brings people together, football unites. We can see it today with all these people gathered in front of the headquarters of the Ivorian football federation.

It’s no secret that our football is going badly, and that is why with my team we are committed to contributing to the rebirth of Ivorian football.

If my goal was not driven by a deep desire to give back to Ivorian football all that it has given me, to contribute to the development of football in my country, and if God was not in this candidacy, it would be difficult to be in front of you today.”

Didier Drogba is the all-time top scorer and former captain of the Ivory Coast national team. His career at Chelsea saw him become the club’s fourth highest goal scorer of all time.

He was named African Footballer of the Year twice, winning the honor in 2006 and 2009.