Visa Denial Sidelines Wahi Ahead of Germany Showdown
Côte d'Ivoire's World Cup 2026 campaign has been dealt a significant blow after striker Elye Wahi was denied entry into Canada for Saturday's Group F clash against Germany in Toronto. The Côte d'Ivoire football federation (FIF) confirmed that the 23-year-old could not obtain the necessary administrative authorisations to travel with the squad, forcing him to remain in the United States while his teammates prepare for one of the tournament's marquee fixtures.
Wahi started and impressed in Côte d'Ivoire's 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Philadelphia on Monday, helping Les Éléphants secure three crucial points. His absence against Germany is a substantial disruption to the team's attacking plans, especially given his recent club form with Ligue 1 side Nice.
Fixing Allegations Cast Shadow Over Rising Star
The visa issue is directly linked to an ongoing investigation in France, where authorities are examining suspicious betting patterns surrounding a Ligue 1 match between Nice and Metz on 17 May. France's Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) reported that an "unusual amount of bets" were placed internationally on Wahi receiving a yellow card during that goalless draw — a wager that ultimately proved successful when the forward was booked late in the game.
"A 23-year-old professional football player, competing in France's Ligue 1 championship, was arrested on 29 May 2026 as part of their investigation," the Marseille prosecutor's office stated.
The prosecutor added that the investigation concerns alleged offences of organised fraud, organised sports corruption, receiving stolen goods, and money laundering. Wahi was questioned in police custody and subsequently released without being formally detained, though the inquiry remains active. His representatives have not yet commented publicly on the case.
Federation Rallies Behind Wahi as Investigation Continues
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the FIF has expressed unequivocal support for its player. In a statement released on Thursday, the federation noted that it had not been officially notified of any judicial or administrative proceedings against Wahi.
"During this particularly delicate period, the FIF offers its full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Côte d'Ivoire national team," the statement read.
Wahi joined Nice on loan from German club Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2026 and made an immediate impact, scoring nine goals in 19 appearances and helping the club reach the French Cup final. His performances earned him a place in Côte d'Ivoire's World Cup squad, where he was expected to feature prominently alongside experienced forwards like Sébastien Haller and Nicolas Pépé.
Key Takeaways
- Elye Wahi has been denied a Canadian visa, ruling him out of Côte d'Ivoire's World Cup clash with Germany in Toronto.
- The travel restriction is linked to a French investigation into suspicious betting on a Ligue 1 match involving Wahi receiving a yellow card.
- Marseille authorities are probing allegations of organised fraud, sports corruption and money laundering — Wahi was arrested and released pending further inquiries.
- The Côte d'Ivoire federation says it has not been formally notified of any proceedings and continues to back the player publicly.
- Wahi will remain in the United States until the team returns after Saturday's Group F fixture.
Quick Facts
Player: Elye Wahi
Age: 23
Position: Striker
Club: Nice (on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt)
World Cup Appearances: 1 (started vs Ecuador, 1-0 win)
Investigation Trigger: Unusual betting on a yellow card during Nice vs Metz, 17 May 2026
Next Match: Côte d'Ivoire vs Germany, Saturday 20 June, Toronto — Wahi unavailable
