Didier Drogba taking legal action against Daily Mail over 'irresponsible' charity report

Montreal Impact forward Didier Drogba has begun the process of taking legal action against British news outlet the Daily Mail over its investigation into the football player's charity.

The outlet has accused Drogba's foundation of donating less than one percent of money raised in the United Kingdom to those in need. Of the £1.7 million raised, the Daily Mail reports that only £14,115 has been given to "good causes."

The report adds that celebrity donors such as Bono, Frank Lampard, David Beckham, and Princess Beatrice were told that funds raised would go towards aiding underprivileged children in his home country, Ivory Coast. Instead, a portion of the money was used on "lavish fundraising parties."

Because of the report, the Charity Commission has launched an investigation into the foundation with evidence submitted by the Daily Mail.

In response, Drogba vehemently denied the Daily Mail's accusations and announced he has begun legal proceedings after the outlet disregarded the facts that his representatives provided.

A statement from the Didier Drogba Foundation read: "Despite sending legal letters and 67 pages worth of legal documents advising the Daily Mail that their information was factually incorrect and libelous, they have decided to ignore the facts so I am issuing legal proceedings against them today.

"The Daily Mail by such irresponsible journalism are jeopardizing the lives of many thousands of African children. The effects on these kids in need of healthcare and education is unimaginable."

Drogba added that the outlet has caused immeasurable damage after it contacted several sponsors and donors to inquire about the charity, and that it had put doubt in the minds of those who were willing to help the foundation.

"The Daily Mail is trying to stop Africa's development," the statement read.

"Despite their claims, there is no fraud, no corruption, no mismanagement, no lies, no impropriety."

Along with claiming to have the necessary documentation to disprove the Daily Mail's accusations, the statement outlined how the foundation planned to use the money in question, as well as accusing the Daily Mail of purposely attempting to "destroy" the foundation's past charitable work.

"The £1.7 million from the UK fundraising will be used to make the main clinic fully operational including medical equipment, staff, medicine, and running costs," Drogba's statement read.

"Their attempts to destroy the work of the foundation will not deter me and will not stop me continuing the work we heave begun."