Former Côte d’Ivoire international footballer Yaya Toure threw his support behind former teammate Didier Drogba’s bid to become the head of the country’s football federation, the Ivorian Football Association (FIF).
Drogba, who announced his intention to run for the position in September 2019, is set to face off against the incumbent, Sory Diabate, and FIF vice-president Idriss Diallo.
No date has been announced for the election due to disruptions brought about by the coronavirus.
Toure said that the nation’s former captain was the right individual to steer the federation in a new direction.
“It’s time for change in our football. It needs modernity,” Toure said.
“When I say I support Drogba, it’s also for the good of the country, to have a former player of his kind investing himself in Africa.”
Despite Drogba’s popularity, a union of former Ivorian football players has decided to support Diabate, an experienced football administrator.
However, Toure expressed optimism that Drogba, whom he succeeded as national team captain, could still get the job done and ascend to the top.
“Didier was my big brother, my captain. People talked a lot about us but we were always calm, wise. We know each other,” Toure said on his Instagram account.
“Too many people tried to criticise him, the press, fans.”
“I know he is looking for support and I hope he will get it from some of the voters, presidents of clubs or AFI (Ivorian Association of Football Players).”
