Ivory Coast Forward Elye Wahi Initially Barred Then Cleared for Canada World Cup Match

Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi received authorization to enter Canada for his team's World Cup match against Germany after an initial denial linked to a French investigation into suspected sports corruption. The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed the reversal on Thursday. Hours earlier the same federation had stated that Wahi would be unable to travel because of visa complications.

"The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) reports that Elye Wahi's administrative situation has evolved favorably. The necessary authorisations for his entry into Canadian territory have now been obtained," the federation posted on its official X account.

Wahi is linked to the French probe through unusual betting patterns around a yellow card he received in a Ligue 1 match last month while playing for Nice.

A 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was taken into custody on 29 May as part of an inquiry into alleged organised fraud, sports corruption, handling stolen goods, and money laundering, according to the Marseille prosecutor's office. Wahi has not been named as a suspect. The Ivorian Football Federation stated it has not been officially notified of any legal or administrative proceedings concerning Wahi.

"During this particularly difficult period, the FIF offers its full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Ivory Coast national team," the federation said. Wahi made his senior international debut for Ivory Coast in March.

He started Ivory Coast's opening Group E match, a 1-0 win over Ecuador, before being substituted in the second half. Germany defeated Curacao 7-1 in its most recent World Cup match before facing Ivory Coast.