Galatasaray hopeful of Drogba clearance

Galatasaray vice-president Refik Arkan is confident Didier Drogba will get clearance to play for the Turkish champions soon.

The 34-year-old left Shanghai Shenhua for Galatasaray in the January transfer window, but his former club are adamant he is still contracted to them.

Nevertheless, the Istanbul giants believe Drogba will soon arrive at the Turk Telekom Arena.

“He might not be able to play against Antalyaspor (on Sunday). Because we need to get temporary permission from FIFA, and FIFA rules are such that the player should be played as quickly as possible,” Arkan told Radyospor.

“They will give a temporary licence, followed by the permit.

“Drogba’s country were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations. The team have now returned to Cote d’Ivoire. Afterwards, he will go to London. He will need a day or two to move his stuff. I think he’ll come to Istanbul this week.”

Galatasaray are top of the Turkish league table with 37 points from 20 games.