Drogba linked to Chelsea return: Striker asks Fifa for permission to make loan move
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Didier Drogba was being linked with a sensational return to Chelsea today after Fifa confirmed the Shanghai Shenhua striker had asked their permission to join another club on loan outside the transfer window.
World football's governing body said it was considering a request from last season's Champions League-winning hero on the day the Blues sacked manager Roberto Di Matteo.
Fifa told Press Association Sport in a statement: "We can confirm that the player, Didier Drogba, has submitted a request for authorisation to be registered outside an open registration period for a club on a loan basis.
"Our services are currently looking into the matter."
Drogba, who quit Chelsea after scoring the winning penalty in the Champions League final, has been considering training with his former club during the Chinese Super League off-season, something Di Matteo said he would welcome prior to his own departure this morning.
But Drogba's request to join another team on loan to maintain his match fitness ahead of the African Nations Cup has sparked speculation the arrangement could prove something even more substantial.
Fernando Torres has been in miserable form and was dropped for Chelsea's Champions League defeat at Juventus last night.
Existing Fifa rules prevent Drogba from representing another club until January 1.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments