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Yaya Touré has been dropped from playing in Unicef’s annual charity football match after reportedly posting a pornographic video in a WhatsApp group with other players and offering to hire sex workers for them.
The 37-year-old was due to play for the World XI team in Sunday’s charity game at Old Trafford, but is no longer taking part following content he shared on a group chat with his team-mates.
Touré will no longer take part in the event after complaints were made about messages he sent to a group with fellow players in the children’s charity event. He reportedly posted a video showing a naked woman in a bath and offered to hire 19 sex workers for his teammates.
“I would like to apologise to everyone involved in Soccer Aid for an inappropriate joke I deeply regret,” he wrote.
“It was meant as a joke however I lacked thorough consideration for the feelings of other participants.
“That being said I deleted the jokes within minutes and I immediately apologised to all inside the group.
“We gather for a good cause and this deviates the focus of the game which is to bring everyone together to help children around the world.
“It’s sad to see an inappropriate joke I made attract the attention which should be fully devoted to the beauty of the charity game.”
The former Barcelona player added: “Regardless of the circumstances, I want to take full responsibility. I am a grown man who should not be engaged in such jokes.
“I am very sorry for my mistake and I wish everyone all the best with Soccer Aid on Sunday in raising awareness and funds for important causes.”