LONDON - Cote D'Ivoire striker Didier Drogba has asked FIFA for special permission Wednesday to leave China's Shanghai Shenhua on loan despite being outside the official transfer window.

Didier Drogba, right, of Shanghai Shenhua goes past a Shandong Luneng player during their Chinese Super League game in Jinan, East China's Shandong province, Aug 25 file photo. [Photo/Xinhua]

The former Chelsea star is believed to be keen to play for a new team to prepare for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations as Chinese Super League season has finished.

"The FIFA administration services are looking into it," FIFA said in a statement.

It is not known whether Drogba has a club lined up to move to, but he has been linked with a move back to Marseille, the club he left for Chelsea in 2004, as well as Liverpool, the BBC said.  

Drogba joined Shenhua in June on a two-and-a-half-year deal after helping Chelsea to the Champions League title.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations will be held in South Africa between Jan 19 and Feb 10.

Cote D'Ivoire's Didier Drogba reacts after scoring a goal during the international friendly soccer match against Austria in Linz, Nov 14, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]