African football star, Yaya Toure has announced that he is backing former Ivory Coast team-mate, Didier Drogba’s bid to become president of the Ivorian Football Association (FIF).

Drogba, a former Chelsea player, announced he would be running for the post in September 2019, though by April 2020, his campaign took a major hit as some of his ex teammates decided against voting for him, instead choosing current incumbent Sory Diabate.

11 out of 14 former Ivory Coast players including Drogba’s former assistant captain, Didier Zokora voted for Sory Diabate. Drogba and current FIF vice president, Idriss Diallo, got zero votes between them, with three former players withdrawing from the vote.

Current Ivory coast players haven’t voted yet, and Yaya Toure is hoping a push from a well respected player like himself, could help Drogba in his campaign.

“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.

“Didier was my big brother, my captain. People talked a lot about us but we were always calm, wise. We know each other. 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).”