This archive report was first published on 15 July 2020.
Didier Drogba, a 42-year-old Ivorian football legend, was born in Abidjan in 1978 and left the West African country for France at the age of five.
July 15, 2020, marked a significant setback for Drogba's bid to head the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), as the Association of Ivorian Footballers (AIF) endorsed his rival, Idriss Diallo.
The AIF, led by secretary general Aruna Dindane, a former national teammate of Drogba's, chose Diallo over Drogba, citing the federation's law that requires an aspirant to be endorsed by five football groupings in the country.
As of July 20, Drogba had not been endorsed by any of the required groupings, including top-tier league clubs, division two and three clubs, and player associations.
Speculation suggests that cartels in the current government of President Alassane Ouattara may be opposed to Drogba's candidacy due to his close relationship with former President Laurent Gbagbo, a bitter rival of Ouattara.
According to celebrated African football expert Mamdou Gaye, Drogba's poor approach to the elections has been a major factor in his downfall.
“Drogba has had a poor approach to the elections. You don’t just come from nowhere to claim the top seat just because you are Drogba. You have to gradually rise through the ranks,” Mamadou said.
