Ibrahim Toure, The younger brother of Premier League duo Yaya and Kolo, died yesterday just hours after Ivory Coast lost 2-1 to Colombia at the World Cup.
The Ivory Coast FA confirmed in a statement that the 28-year-old, who was also a professional footballer, died in Manchester.
“A tough day for the Toure brothers. Just hours after the match Colombia v Cote d’Ivoire (2-1), Kolo and Yaya have learned of the death of their younger brother Toure Oyala Ibrahim. The entire Ivorian delegation to Brazil supports them in this painful circumstance.
“The president of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) and the Executive Committee are to inform the family of Ivorian football, the death of Ibrahim Toure occurred on Thursday June 19 in Manchester.
“In these painful circumstances, the players of the national team of Cote d’Ivoire as well as the entire Ivorian delegation present in Brazil at the 2014 World Cup are to demonstrate their compassion Toure brothers, members of the Elephants and the great Toure family.”
Ibrahim Toure played as a striker for clubs including Egypt’s Misr Lel Makasa and most recently Lebanese side Al Safa.
Manchester City, who employ Yaya, released a statement expressing their condolences whilst also revealing Ibrahim was close with his older brothers.
“The thoughts of everyone at Manchester City FC are with Yaya and Kolo Toure following the death of their younger brother Ibrahim,” City’s statement read.
“Ibrahim was a regular visitor to Carrington and was a popular figure among the staff and players and was extremely close to his two older brothers.
“The Ivorian Football Federation announced that Ibrahim passed away on Thursday, 19 June in Manchester and the thoughts of everyone connected with City are with the Toure family at this most difficult time.”
The cause of death has not been confirmed.
Yaya has started both of Ivory Coast’s World Cup matches, while Kolo, who plays for Liverpool, has been an unused substitute. Their next match is against Greece on Tuesday.
Source: The Independent