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Chelsea legend Didier Drogba’s bid was dealt a heavy blow when the union of former Ivorian football players unanimously opted to vote against him and backed his rival Sory Diabate, the current FIF president in the race for presidency.

Drogba was considered as one of the hot favourites to become the new president of the Ivory Coast FA. Surprisingly, 11 out of the 14 members in the panel voted for Drogba’s rival and current Ivory Coast FA chief, Sory Diabate, while the remaining three abstained from the election.

Former Manchester City star and Ivorian legend Yaya Toure, has thrown his weight of support behind his former national teammate and captain and insists that it’s time for a change in the nation’s football.

“Didier was my big brother, my captain,” Toure who is currently playing for Qingdao Huanghai in China said as quoted by BBC.

“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).

“It’s time for change in our football. It needs modernity,” the 37-year-old added.

“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.”