Didier Drogba’s hopes for FA presidency take a massive hit
Former Chelsea striker feeling blue as he gets not one vote from Ivorian ex-players’ association
The former Côte d’Ivoire striker Didier Drogba polled not a single vote from members of the Association of Former Ivorian Footballers as his campaign to become the next president of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) suffered a blow.
In the poll, which was conducted via video conferencing, 11 out of the 14 members of the association voted for league president Sory Diabaté. The remaining three abstained.
A third candidate, the current FIF vice-president, Idriss Diallo, also polled no vote from the ex-players.
The three are vying to replace Augustin Sidy Diallo as president.
Pre-poll favourite
The members of the former players’ association are Badra Siby Aliou, Youssouf Fofana, Alain Gouaméné, Fadel Keïta, Ibrahim Koné, Lucien Kassi Kouadio, Basile Aka Kouamé, Didier Otokoré, Oumar Ben Salah, Jean Soro, Abdoulaye Traoré, Eugène Beugré Yago, Venance Zézé (aka Zézéto) and Didier Zokora.
The withdrawal from the race of the experienced administrator Eugène Diomandé, followed closely by his decision to back the Chelsea legend, is expected to boost Drogba’s chances of winning the overall vote.
That aside, Drogba has secured the endorsement and backing of 48 professional football clubs in Côte d’Ivoire.
Not lost yet
Speaking in a recent interview just before the ex-players’ poll, a confident-sounding Drogba spoke in glowing terms of his knowledge of Ivorian football and contribution to the game.
“I want to get more involved. I think more and more about it,” he said. “I know Ivorian football; I have played in selection for years and I invested in Ivorian football lately.”
If Drogba is to turn his fortunes around in the overall vote, he will need to win huge support when members of the Active Footballers’ Association, the coaches, referees and physios also cast their ballot.
Atsu Boye
* Asaase Radio 99.5 FM. Coming to a dial near you.
* Twitter: @Asaase995FM
