Ivory Coast says striker Elye Wahi cleared to enter Canada for team’s next World Cup match
Ivory Coast Confirms Elye Wahi Cleared to Enter Canada for World Cup Clash
Ivory Coast says striker Elye Wahi - The Ivory Coast national team’s striker, Elye Wahi, has been granted permission to travel to Canada for the upcoming World Cup match against Germany, according to the Ivorian soccer federation. Earlier, the federation had indicated Wahi might not be able to make the trip, but a statement released Thursday confirmed that the required authorizations have now been secured.
Wahi made an appearance in Ivory Coast’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador on Monday in Philadelphia. The team’s next fixture, a game against Germany, is set for Saturday in Toronto, marking their second match in the tournament.
Canada Immigration Spokesperson Remains Silent on Case
Taous Ait, a representative for Canada’s immigration minister, refused to comment on Wahi’s situation, stating that authorization from the individual involved was necessary before providing details.
Betting Allegations Spark Investigation
"An unusual amount of bets were placed internationally on Wahi receiving a yellow card during a game on May 17 while playing for Nice," said the French soccer league on Wednesday.
The league was informed of suspicious betting activity by partners tracking market trends, specifically regarding Nice’s match against Metz, which ended in a 0-0 draw and featured Wahi’s yellow card. This information was shared with police, gambling authorities, and the French soccer federation.
On May 29, 2026, the Marseille prosecutor’s office confirmed that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation. The charges include allegations of organized fraud, sports corruption, receiving stolen goods, and money laundering.
Wahi was questioned while in police custody but was released without being detained. His representatives have not yet responded to inquiries about the case. The Ivorian federation emphasized it has not received official notice of any legal or administrative actions against the player, reaffirming its support for him.
Elye Wahi remains a key figure in the Ivory Coast squad, as noted by the federation. The player joined Nice on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt in January, contributing nine goals across 18 games. His performance helped the team reach the French Cup final. The French league season concluded on May 17, and Wahi scored twice in a 4-1 win over Saint-Etienne in the promotion-relegation playoffs, securing their place in the top division.
World Cup's Hydration Debate and Cape Verde's Keeper's Mother
Meanwhile, the World Cup has seen discussions about the impact of heat on player performance, with some analysts focusing on hydration strategies. Separately, the mother of Cape Verde’s goalkeeper will have the opportunity to watch her son compete in the tournament.