ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi will miss Saturday’s World Cup match against Germany in Toronto after Canadian authorities denied him a visa, the Ivorian football federation confirmed Thursday.
“The administrative authorizations necessary for his entry into Canadian territory have not been obtained at this stage,” the federation said, noting that Wahi will not travel with the squad. His absence comes after he played 55 minutes in Ivory Coast’s opening 1‑0 win over Ecuador.
Wahi, 23, is the second player to be barred from entering Canada during the tournament, following Ghana’s Thomas Partey, who faces rape charges in Britain. Wahi himself was arrested in France in May as part of an investigation into alleged spot‑fixing during a Ligue 1 match between Nice and Metz. Prosecutors in Marseille are examining betting patterns linked to wagers on Wahi receiving a yellow card.
Authorities confirmed he was questioned in police custody before being released, with investigations continuing into possible organized fraud, sports corruption and money laundering. The Ligue de Football Professionnel, which oversees French football, said it is monitoring the case but has not taken disciplinary action while proceedings remain confidential.
Despite the probe, Wahi was included in Ivory Coast’s World Cup squad, underscoring the team’s reliance on his attacking talent. His absence against Germany is a setback for the Elephants, who face a crucial test in Group C as they seek to advance to the knockout stages.
The case highlights growing international concerns about integrity in football, with spot‑fixing investigations drawing scrutiny from regulators and fans worldwide. For Ivory Coast, the development illustrates the challenges of balancing competitive ambitions with reputational risks, while Canada’s decision reflects the broader intersection of sport, law enforcement and immigration policy during global tournaments.
