Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi has been denied entry into Canada ahead of his country’s crucial FIFA World Cup group-stage match against Germany, following reports linking him to an ongoing investigation in France.
The 23-year-old striker, who featured in Ivory Coast’s opening World Cup victory over Ecuador, will now miss the team’s trip to Toronto for Saturday’s highly anticipated encounter.
Entry Authorization Not Granted
The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed that Wahi was unable to obtain the necessary administrative authorization required to enter Canada.
In an official statement, the federation said it had not received any formal notification regarding judicial or administrative proceedings involving the player but acknowledged that he would not be able to travel with the squad.
As a result, Wahi will remain in the United States while the rest of the team travels to Canada for the match.
Investigation in France
Wahi has reportedly been linked to an investigation concerning alleged spot-fixing during a French Ligue 1 match involving his club, Nice.
Spot-fixing refers to the deliberate manipulation of specific incidents within a sporting event—such as receiving a yellow card—to benefit betting activities.
Reports indicate that authorities are investigating unusual betting patterns connected to a yellow card Wahi received during a league match against Metz in May.
French prosecutors confirmed that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 footballer was arrested and questioned as part of an investigation involving allegations of organized fraud, sports corruption, money laundering, and handling proceeds of crime.
However, officials did not publicly identify the player by name.
Wahi Yet to Be Charged
Authorities have emphasized that investigations remain ongoing.
Following questioning by police, the player was released from custody and no conviction has been announced.
The Ivorian Football Federation expressed support for Wahi and reiterated its confidence in the striker during what it described as a difficult period.
The federation also stated that Wahi remains an important member of the national team.
Impact on Ivory Coast
Wahi’s absence represents a significant setback for Ivory Coast as they prepare to face Germany in one of the toughest fixtures of their World Cup campaign.
The forward has been regarded as one of the team’s key attacking options and was expected to play an important role during the tournament.
After the Germany match, Ivory Coast are scheduled to face Curacao in Philadelphia next week.
Second World Cup Visa Controversy
Wahi becomes the second World Cup participant to encounter entry issues involving Canada during the tournament.
Earlier, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry after Canadian authorities refused his visa application due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
The developments have generated discussions about immigration regulations and eligibility requirements affecting athletes participating in major international tournaments.
Awaiting Further Developments
With investigations continuing in France, football authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
The French Professional Football League (LFP) has stated that it reserves the right to take disciplinary action depending on the outcome of the investigation.
For now, Wahi remains available to the Ivory Coast squad but will be forced to watch from the United States as his teammates take on Germany in a crucial World Cup encounter.
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Elye Wahi, Ivory Coast, FIFA World Cup 2026, Germany, Football News, Ligue 1, Nice FC, Sports News, World Cup
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Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has been denied entry into Canada ahead of his country’s World Cup clash with Germany amid reports of an ongoing investigation in France.
