Eyebrow-raising excuse given as national team confirms withdrawal of brilliant United star

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Manchester United forward Amad has withdrawn from the Ivory Coast squad ahead of their upcoming friendlies in Canada.

Ivory Coast are set to face New Zealand on Sunday, 8 June, before facing Canada three days later at BMO Field in Toronto.

Amad was expected to be available to Emerse Faé for selection, having missed the 2026 World Cup qualifying victories over Burundi and The Gambia in March due to an ankle injury.

However, the Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) have confirmed that the United star is one of two players who will not be part of the squad due to “administrative reasons.” They don’t specify the exact nature of these “administrative reasons.”

A FIF statement read [via SABC Sport], “The Ivorian Football Federation informs the press and the public that players Amad Diallo and Dorgeles Maho, called up by national coach Emerse Fae as part of the four-nation tournament called the Canadian Shield, are unavailable for administrative reasons.”

“Consequently, Manchester United player Amad Diallo and Dorgeles Mario of FC Nordsjaelland are respectively replaced by Atlanta United Football Club player Emmanuel Latte and Mory Gbane of Stade de Reims for this friendly international competition in Toronto, Canada.”

Amad has not featured for his country since September 2024 when he came on as a substitute in Ivory Coast’s 2-0 win against Chad in the group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations.

He has won six caps for Ivory Coast and scored just one goal for them.

Amad’s absence is undoubtedly a big miss for the African nation, especially after his superb season for United.

Despite the Red Devils finishing a lowly 15th place in the Premier League table, having suffered 18 defeats and amassing just 42 points, Amad put up incredible numbers.

The 22-year-old registered 11 goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions. It’s worth noting that he missed three months of the campaign with the ankle injury.

He’s grown into an important part of Ruben Amorim’s side, with next season shaping up to be a defining one for him.

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