Didier Drogba denied possible Chelsea return: Fifa rule out special permission for loan move

Fifa informed Drogba that he won't be exempted from international transfer rules

Long, long shot There have been Chinese whispers of a return to the Premier League for Didier Drogba , and despite the unpredictability of the Ivorian power-house, we give it a 0.01% chance of happening. The rumours surfaced as Shanghai (GETTY IMAGES)

Fifa has denied Didier Drogba's request for special permission to leave Shanghai Shenhua on loan ahead of the official transfer period, ending speculation he could join former club Chelsea immediately.

Fifa informed Drogba that he won't be exempted from international transfer rules while under contract with the Chinese Super League club, whose season ended this month.

Drogba, whose contract expires in 2014, can join another club on a permanent or temporary deal on Jan. 1.

The 34-year-old Ivory Coast captain hoped to play extra matches to prepare for the African Cup of Nations, which kicks off Jan. 19 in South Africa.

Fifa upheld its rules in previous cases when making Major League Soccer players David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Landon Donovan wait until January to make loan moves.

AP