Didier Drogba has asked FIFA for special permission to move on loan from Shanghai Shenhua despite being outside the official transfer window.

FIFA said yesterday it is considering the former Chelsea forward's request for an exemption from international rules. "The FIFA administration services are looking into it," FIFA said in a statement.

Drogba's season with Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua finished this month. If FIFA grants Drogba's request, the 34-year-old Ivory Coast captain could play for a new team to prepare for the African Cup of Nations, which kicks off on January 19 in South Africa.

Existing rules prevent Drogba from representing another club until January 1. FIFA has upheld the rules in previous cases when David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Landon Donovan had to wait until January to make loan moves to Europe after the Major League Soccer season ended.

Drogba signed a contract through 2014 with Shenhua weeks after helping Chelsea win the Champions League title in May.

Drogba has often said he wants to return to Marseille one day, but club president Vincent Labrune thinks his wages would be too high for cash-strapped Marseille, which sold key players like midfielder Alou Diarra and utility player Stephane M'Bia to raise funds.

"Obviously I'm in favor of all great players who are capable of making financial sacrifices," Labrune told RMC radio.

"If Lionel Messi wants to come, I'm in favor. But we're talking for nothing."