Didier Drogba asks FIFA for special permission to make loan move

NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 25: Didier Drogba of the Ivory Coast reacts during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group G match between North Korea and Ivory Coast at the Mbombela Stadium on June 25, 2010 in Nelspruit, South Africa.

Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba has asked permission from world football’s governing body FIFA for special permission to move to a new club on loan before the opening of the transfer market on the first of January.

FIFA are currently assessing his situation, the organisation said in a statement.

Moving from one of football’s less known leagues is not uncommon, with Robbie Keane, David Beckham and Thierry Henry all moving to Europe on loan moves last year. But while they were training with clubs, they were not allowed to move officially on loan until the first of January, despite their parent leagues being in the close season.

However FIFA might consider an exception to the rule here since the African Cup of Nations begins on the 19th of January and Drogba will want to retain his sharpness.

Former Chelsea striker Drogba signed for Chinese Super League Club Shanghai Shenhua this summer after winning the Champions League with Chelsea FC, signing a contract that will expire in 2014.