Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi has been cleared to enter Canada ahead of the Elephants’ second Group E match against Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after initially being denied a visa over ongoing spot-fixing investigations in France.
A source close to the player confirmed on Thursday that Canadian authorities approved Wahi’s entry after requesting additional information regarding his legal status.
The development comes hours after the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced that the 23-year-old striker would miss Saturday’s clash in Toronto due to unresolved administrative issues.
While the federation did not disclose the reason for the initial visa refusal, reports indicated that Canadian officials sought clarification over Wahi’s involvement in an ongoing investigation by French authorities into alleged spot-fixing activities.
The case centres on a yellow card Wahi received during a goalless Ligue 1 draw between Nice and Metz on the final day of the French season in May. Betting regulators reportedly flagged unusual wagering patterns linked to the player being booked during the match.
On Wednesday, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) confirmed it had filed a complaint with police over allegations that could amount to organised sporting corruption and fraud.
The Marseille public prosecutor’s office also confirmed that a 23-year-old professional footballer was arrested and questioned on May 29 as part of an investigation into organised fraud, sporting corruption, receiving stolen goods and money laundering.
Authorities said the player was released after questioning and that investigations remain ongoing.
Wahi’s lawyer, Marie Dose, said her client is not facing any charges and is not subject to judicial restrictions.
“Elye Wahi is therefore not facing charges at this stage and is not subject to any judicial restrictions,” she said.
The Ivorian federation reiterated its support for the forward, describing him as an important member of the national team.
Born in France, Wahi switched his international allegiance to Ivory Coast in March and started the Elephants’ 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their opening World Cup fixture.
The striker spent the second half of last season on loan at Nice from German club Eintracht Frankfurt.
Ivory Coast face Germany in Toronto on Saturday before concluding their group-stage campaign against Curacao in the United States on June 25.
Wahi’s case follows a similar incident involving Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who missed his country’s opening match against Panama after a Canadian court dismissed an appeal against the refusal of his visa application.
Partey is facing seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in the United Kingdom. He has denied all allegations.
