These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Drogba’s election bid rejected

AFP reports Didier Drogba’s campaign to become the next president of the Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) could be over after he was barred from competing in next month’s vote.

The Chelsea legend appeared to have the support in place to be on the ballot for next month’s election.

However, the organisation has rejected Drogba’s candidacy, claiming he was ineligible to run for the position after two of the names he had submitted as his sponsors were ruled not to have the necessary authority to do so.

The 42-year-old has encountered several setbacks in his election bid and one of his aides insisted they have not given up yet on his election hopes.

‘Drogba's staff isn’t surprised by this decision to reject the bid but we remain unfazed,’ said Mahamadou Sangare, a member of Drogba's team.

‘We will react to conform to the texts which surround this election.’

Drogba has five days to appeal the decision.

New signings will help us close gap: Rudiger

Antonio Rudiger has told the transfermarkt.co.uk he is delighted with the new arrivals at Stamford Bridge and believes they will help Chelsea challenge the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title once again.

Rudiger said he is feeling very positive about the Blues’ prospects following the additions of Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell and his former Stuttgart team-mate Timo Werner to Frank Lampard’s side.

‘I am always happy to see new faces in the team,’ said the German.

‘After the transfer ban last summer, we were of course hoping to get some real reinforcements. With Hakim, I immediately had a good feeling and my relation to and opinion about Timo is already known.

‘With such names, the club is also sending a clear message to the existing personnel that they want to take another step forward in the overall development. I think that is great!’

Guehi looking to make further progress on loan

Marc Guehi has told Swansea City’s official website he wants to build on his successful loan at the Welsh club last season during the forthcoming campaign.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of the 2019/20 season with the Swans and was a key figure in their defence as they reached the Championship play-offs.

‘I really enjoyed my time at Swansea last season, so it made sense to extend my time here,’ said the England Under-21 defender.

‘It was a really good opportunity for me. I was part of a group of really good footballers and characters who helped me a lot.

‘I want to get an opportunity to play and keep learning and progressing.

‘The league is so difficult. It changes a lot with the teams you play. Some are passing teams, while some go longer with their play – but that’s great for me as a defender.