The Federation of Ivorian Football (FIF) has sent a message of support to striker Elye Wahi after he was denied a visa to enter Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Wahi, who is on loan at OGC Nice from Eintracht Frankfurt, was arrested by French police on allegations of spot-fixing. He becomes the second African player to be denied entry into Canada, following Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey.
Wahi to Miss Germany Clash
FIF confirmed that Wahi will not travel with the team to Toronto for their second group game against Germany at BMO Field. He made his World Cup debut in Ivory Coast's 1-0 win over Ecuador on June 15 in Philadelphia, USA, playing 56 minutes before being replaced by Ange-Yoan Bonny. Ivory Coast's next match is against Germany, who defeated Curacao 7-1 in their opening game.
According to The Athletic, Wahi will remain at the team's camp in the United States after being denied a Canadian visa.
Spot-Fixing Investigation
Wahi was arrested and questioned by French police on May 29 on suspicion of spot-fixing after receiving a yellow card against FC Metz on May 17. He is under investigation to determine whether his 35th-minute yellow card during the 0-0 draw was deliberate, though he has not been charged.
The French Professional Football League (LFP) issued a statement confirming the incident: "Following the OGC Nice - FC Metz match on May 17th, part of the 34th round of Ligue 1, the LFP was alerted by its partners specialising in monitoring sports betting markets to unusual activity observed internationally. These alerts concerned an unusually high volume of bets placed on a warning involving the player Elye Wahi."
FIF's Full Support
FIF acknowledged the publications but stated it has not been officially notified of any judicial or administrative procedures against the player. The federation expressed full support for Wahi, who is expected to return to action against Curacao in the final group game back in Philadelphia.
"In this particularly difficult time, FIF gives its full support to the player. Elye Wahi remains an important part of the national team of Ivory Coast," the statement read.
Wahi is the second African player to be denied entry into Canada after Ghana's Thomas Partey was rejected for a match against Panama. Ghanaian manager Carlos Queiroz declined to comment on Partey's visa denial during a pre-match conference.
