Ex-Ivorian international former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been ruled out of Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) presidential elections due next month.

The electoral committee in charge of the country’s football association election announced on Thursday that the two-time African Footballer of the Year could not get enough nominations, a crucial criterion to be on the ballot.

Drogba’s was greeted by a large crowd when he submitted his electoral form last month in Abidjan office of FIF. However, two of the 42-year-old’s sponsors, Africa Sports FC and AMAF-CI, the referee’s representing body were found out to be backing the application of another contender.

FIF’s first vice-president Sory Diabate said that Drogba losing two of his backers meant his application could not proceed in the contest.

Incumbent vice-president Diabate and former FIF vice-president Yacine Idriss Diallo are the two contenders cleared to run.

Drogba however, have a five-day window to appeal the electoral body’s verdict.