"Sadly, I will not be able to take part in Ivory Coast's matches during the international week. My family needs me at this moment and I hope the fans will understand," Toure wrote on Twitter.

"I wish the team the best," added the 100-times capped star.

On Tuesday, the Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) said it had "no news" of the whereabouts of four-time African Player of the Year Toure, who did not turn up for training.

The Ivory Coast failed to qualify for the World Cup.