Ex-Chelsea star Didier Drogba’s quest to lead Cote d’Ivoire football received a major blow after former players unanimously voted for his rival.
Eleven out of fourteen members of the Association of Former Ivorian Footballers endorsed Sory Diabate for the top job with three members abstaining.
Drogba and Idriss Diallo, who is the president FIF vice president received no votes. The vote was taken through video conferencing and has since sparked a massive debate in Ivory Coast.
Didier Drogba had been the massive favourite going into the polls, particularly after experienced administrator Eugene Diomande withdrew from the race and publicly backed the former Ivorian captain.
He had also been endorsed by 48 professional clubs in the country.
According to Afrik Foot, Drogba will hope to have better luck when members of the Active Footballers Association, the coaches, referees and the physios also cast their votes.
“I want to get more involved. I think more and more about it. I know Ivorian football, I have played in selection for years and I invested in Ivorian football lately,” Drogba recently said about his ambitions.
The three are vying to replace Augustin Sidy Diallo as President.
Members of the Former Players Association: Abdoulaye Traore, Oumar Ben Salah, Aka Kouame Basile, Soro Jean, Zezeto, Didier Zokora, Ibrahim Kone, Badra Siby Aliou, Youssouf Fofana, Beugre Yago Eugene, Didier Otokore, Fadel Keita, Kassi Kouadio Lucien, Alain Gouaméné
