Ivory Coast Striker Wahi Barred From World Cup Match in Canada Amid Match-Fixing Probe
The federation said Wahi cannot enter Canada because required authorizations were not obtained while French investigators examine suspicious betting on a yellow card.
- Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi remains eligible for the World Cup despite being arrested by French authorities on May 29 amid an investigation into alleged sports corruption and match-fixing.
- Authorities launched an investigation after betting monitors flagged suspicious wagering patterns involving a yellow card Wahi received during a Nice-Metz Ligue match on May 17, which ended 0-0.
- French authorities released the 23-year-old without charge after interviewing him, while FIFA and the Ivorian Football Federation have announced no suspension as the investigation remains ongoing.
- In Sunday's 1-0 win over Ecuador in Philadelphia, Wahi started and played 55 minutes, striking the crossbar before being substituted during the team's opening World Cup match.
- Ivory Coast next faces Germany in Toronto on Saturday before their final Group E clash against Curacao next Thursday as the World Cup continues in North America.
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179 Articles
Cote d'Ivoire Star Denied Entry Into Canada Ahead Germany Clash
Cote d'Ivoire forward Elye Wahi has been denied entry into Canada ahead of the Elephants' crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E clash against Germany, as questions continue to swirl over an ongoing spot-fixing investigation in France.
Shocking: Canada Denies Entry to Ivory Coast Former Arrested on Match-Fixing Charges; Will Ultimately Miss Match Against Germany. Sports Chosun Reporter Park Sang-kyung. Ivory Coast forward Elie Wahi, currently competing in the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup, will miss the second match. The BBC reported on the 18th (KST) that Wahi will miss the match against Germany to be held in Toronto, Canada on the 21st.
Wahi's lawyer, Marie Dose, assured the player that he is "not subject to any legal restrictions" because he is not charged with anything at this stage. Canada deliberately delayed the decision on issuing a visa to investigate the circumstances of the case, but ultimately granted entry, AFP reports. On Thursday afternoon, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced that Wahi, suspected of fixing league matches in France, would not be allowed …
Ivory Coast says striker Elye Wahi will be allowed into Canada for the team's next World Cup match
Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi, under investigation for alleged betting-related offences, has received authorization to enter Canada for his nation's World Cup match against Germany, the Ivorian soccer federation said Thursday.
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