Yaya Toure backs Drogba to lead Côte d’Ivoire football federation

Former Ivory Coast captain, Yaya Toure has thrown his weight behind Didier Drogba’s bid to become the country’s next Football Federation boss.

Drogba’s quest to take up the role hit a snag when he was rejected by the Former Footballers Association.

However, it appears that Drogba has found support in Yaya Toure, despite previous reports of tension between the two during their playing days.

According to Yaya, Drogba winning the election would be the best for Ivorian football, which is why he and his brother Kolo are backing his bid.

I support Didier Drogba. I want him to win this election. Seeing Didier as president of FIF would be a pleasure… Today, we want change. We are going to support, me and Kolo (Touré),” he said in an Instagram chat with former goalkeeper, Copa Barry.

One of the 14 members  of the Former Players’ Association voted for Drogba in the recent polls, with 11 of them backing his rival, league president Sory Diabate, while three persons abstained.

A member of the Association and a former national teammate of Drogba’s Didier Zokora said they rejected the former Chelsea’s star’s bid because he had consistently disrespected them despite being the Association’s honorary President.

He added that Drogba has never attended a single one of the Association’s meetings nor did he inform them of his intention to contest for the Football Federation’s Presidency.

The results of the election, which was done via video conferencing, sparked a massive debate in the Ivory Coast.

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.

They are vying to replace Augustin Sidy Diallo as President.

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