Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi will miss the Elephants’ second group-stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Germany after being denied a visa to enter Canada.
The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed the development on Thursday, stating that the necessary administrative authorisations for the striker’s entry into Canada had not been secured.
“The administrative authorisations necessary for his entry into Canadian territory have not been obtained at this stage,” the federation said in a statement, adding that Wahi would not be able to travel with the team to Toronto for Saturday’s fixture.
Wahi becomes the second player at the tournament to be denied entry into Canada after Thomas Partey, who is facing rape charges in the United Kingdom.
The 23-year-old forward is currently under investigation by French authorities over alleged spot-fixing activities linked to a French Ligue 1 match between Nice and Metz on May 17.
According to reports, investigators are examining claims that Wahi deliberately sought to receive a yellow card during the match, amid suspicious betting patterns surrounding the incident.
Spot-fixing refers to the manipulation of a specific event within a sporting contest for betting purposes rather than influencing the final outcome.
A spokesperson for the Marseille public prosecutor’s office confirmed that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was arrested on May 29 as part of an investigation into allegations of organised fraud, organised sports corruption, handling proceeds of crime and money laundering.
The player was later released after questioning, while investigations continue.
The prosecutor’s office did not identify the player by name, but reports have linked the investigation to Wahi.
Meanwhile, the Ligue de Football Professionnel said it is monitoring the situation but has not initiated disciplinary proceedings.
“At this stage, and in view of the ongoing proceedings and the associated confidentiality requirements imposed by police authorities, the LFP will not make any further comment and has not initiated any disciplinary proceedings,” the organisation said in a statement.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Wahi was included in Ivory Coast’s final squad for the World Cup and played 55 minutes in the Elephants’ 1-0 victory over Ecuador on Monday.
His absence is expected to be a setback for Ivory Coast as they prepare to face Germany.
