- Football
Ibrahim Toure, brother of Kolo and Yaya, dies aged 28
Ibrahim Toure, the younger brother of Ivory Coast internationals Kolo and Yaya, has died at the age of 28.
The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced that the striker passed away in Manchester while two of his siblings were representing the nation at the World Cup.
City and Liverpool offer condolences
- Both Manchester City and Liverpool have released club statements offering their condolences to respective players Yaya and Kolo after their brother Ibrahim died.
- City told their official website: "The thoughts of everyone at Manchester City FC are with Yaya and Kolo Toure following the death of their younger brother Ibrahim.
- "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."
Ibrahim played for ASEC Mimosas, Metalurh Donetsk, OGC Nice, Al-Ittihad Aleppo, Misr Lel Makasa, Telephonat Beni Sweif and Al-Safa SC, although he did not represent Ivory Coast at international level.
A statement on the FIF's official website read: "Kolo and Yaya Toure just heard about the death of their young brother, Toure Oyala Ibrahim. The entire Ivorian delegation want to show their support to the players.
"The Ivory Coast FA president and the executive committee have announced to the entire family of Ivorian football the death of Toure Oyala Ibrahim, the younger brother of Toure Kolo Abib and Toure Yaya Gnegneri, which happened on June 19 in Manchester.
"In such a sad situation, the players from the Ivory Coast national team, and the entire delegation here in Brazil, show their support to the Toure brothers and their whole family. The president of Football Ivory Coast Federation and the executive committee ask Ivorians for their prayers."
Yaya and Kolo are both currently in Brazil with Ivory Coast, with Yaya having played in his country's 2-1 defeat by Colombia on Thursday.
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany and Micah Richards were two of the many players to tweet their condolences, while Manchester City and Liverpool both made statements on their official website paying their respects.
My sincere condolences to the Toure family for the loss of Ibrahim. We are all saddened by this news. Keep strong.
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) June 20, 2014
Just heard the news that kolo and yayas brother Ibrahim has died! Sorry to hear that awful news. Rip
— Micah Richards (@MicahRichards) June 20, 2014