World football governing body FIFA have stepped in to suspend the electoral process for the Ivory Coast Football Association’s presidency until further notice amid concerns that it is not being conducted in a free and fair manner.

This comes after the country’s legend and former Chelsea star Didier Drogba, who is seeking election, was on Thursday rejected as candidate under controversial circumstances.

The election commision running the plebiscite selected just two candidates – current vice president Sory Diabate, and Yacine Idriss Diallo a former vice-president.

Writing to the Ivorian FA, FIFA declared that the election process be suspended as they look into the matter.

“Pending your documents and information, we invite you to suspend all actions relating to the electoral process until further notice,” reads the letter from FIFA.

Didier Drogba was told he is not eligible to stand in upcoming elections to be the next president of the Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF).

Along with three others, Drogba submitted papers to stand in the polls earlier this month.

The FIF’s Electoral Commission ruled that the former Chelsea striker did not fulfil its long list of eligibility criteria.

His bid was rejected as two of the names he had submitted as his sponsors were ruled not to have the necessary authority to do so.