Côte d’Ivoire Football Federation (FIF) president Yacine Idriss Diallo has pledged to increase financial subsidies for clubs and affiliated interest groups if he wins a second term at the helm of the country’s football governing body.

Diallo, the sole candidate for the FIF presidential election scheduled for September 12 in Yamoussoukro, officially launched his campaign on September 2 in Abidjan under a programme called “Transform to Last.”

Under his proposal, annual subsidies for Ligue 1 clubs would rise from 100 million CFA francs to 140 million CFA francs. Ligue 2 clubs would see their allocation increase from 50 million to 70 million CFA francs, while Division 3 clubs would receive 40 million CFA francs, compared with 30 million currently.

Funding for women’s football would also increase, from 10 million to 15 million CFA francs. Affiliated interest groups would receive up to 20 million CFA francs.

Diallo says the increases are intended to help clubs meet their operating costs and strengthen their professional structures. At the same time, he has called on clubs to gradually become more financially independent and reduce their reliance on federation funding.

His “Transform to Last” programme also includes measures aimed at modernising Ivorian football, including improved ticketing systems, stronger stadium security and the eventual creation of FIF TV. Women’s football is another priority, with a professional women’s league planned during the next term.

Diallo, who was first elected FIF president in 2022, is also highlighting the achievements of his first term, including Côte d’Ivoire’s victory at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the national team’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

With no other presidential candidate in the race, the September 12 election will also focus on the composition of the federation’s next executive committee, which will have 25 seats.

Diallo’s campaign is therefore centred on increased financial support for clubs, greater professionalisation and a push for long-term financial sustainability across Ivorian football.