Football · Toronto, Philadelphia, and Marseille
Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi cleared to enter Canada for Germany World Cup clash after day of visa confusion
Ivorian striker Elye Wahi will be available for Saturday's Group E game against Germany after Canadian authorities reversed an earlier decision blocking his entry, the football federation announced on Thursday.
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In brief
Wahi was initially blocked from travelling to Canada on Thursday morning but received clearance by the evening after French prosecutors provided documentation confirming he is not charged.
An unusual volume of bets was placed on a booking Wahi received against Metz on 17 May, prompting a French investigation into organised fraud and sports corruption.
The Ivorian Football Federation said it had full confidence in Wahi and had received no official notification of proceedings against him.
Ivory Coast can qualify for the last 16 with a win over Germany, who opened with a 7-1 victory over Curacao.
- 18 JunFIF announces Wahi cannot travel to Canada
- 18 JunFIF confirms Wahi cleared to enter Canada
- 20 JunMatch against Germany in Toronto
A morning of denial, an evening of relief
Ivory Coast's World Cup plans were thrown into uncertainty on Thursday when the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced that forward Elye Wahi could not travel to Canada for the match against Germany. Hours later, the federation confirmed the situation had evolved favourably and Wahi had obtained the necessary authorisations to enter Canadian territory.
“The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) reports that Elye Wahi's administrative situation has evolved favorably. The necessary authorisations for his entry into Canadian territory have now been obtained.”
The initial refusal stemmed from Canadian immigration authorities seeking additional information about Wahi's legal status in France, where he is linked to an investigation into suspected sports corruption.
The match-fixing probe shadowing a World Cup
French authorities detected unusual betting patterns surrounding a yellow card Wahi received while playing for Nice against Metz on 17 May. A 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was taken into custody on 29 May as part of an inquiry into organised fraud, sports corruption, handling stolen goods and money laundering, the Marseille prosecutor's office confirmed. Wahi was released without charge and is not currently facing prosecution.
“At this stage of the proceedings, Elye Wahi is not under judicial investigation and is not the subject of any prosecution.”
The FIF has said it has not been officially notified of any legal or administrative proceedings concerning the player and expressed full confidence in him.
Other visa flashpoints at the 2026 tournament
Wahi's case is not the first entry dispute of this World Cup. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied a Canadian visa over ongoing rape charges in the United Kingdom, keeping him out of the Black Stars' win over Panama. The United States also refused visas to groups of supporters from Ivory Coast and Senegal and turned back Somali referee Omar Artan despite a valid visa, citing alleged links to terrorist organisations.
What Saturday means for Group E
Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0 in their opener, with Wahi starting and striking the crossbar. Germany thrashed Curacao 7-1. A win for the Elephants would book their place in the knockout rounds, while Julian Nagelsmann's side will aim to take control of the group at Toronto's BMO Field.
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Sources and context
- AdnkronosCosta D'Avorio, Wahi torna in campo dopo l'arresto? L'assurda storia ai Mondiali
- FranceinfoD'abord privé de visa, l'Ivoirien Elye Wahi pourra finalement jouer contre l'Allemagne au Canada
- The IndependentIvory Coast claim Elye Wahi cleared to enter Canada for World Cup after visa drama
- DIE WELTSpiel gegen Deutschland: Wende im Fall Wahi - Kanada lässt ivorischen Nationalspieler doch einreisen
- Elye Wahi
- Ivory Coast international forward, on loan at OGC Nice from Eintracht Frankfurt, linked to match-fixing investigation
- Thomas Partey
- Ghana midfielder denied entry to Canada over rape charges in the United Kingdom
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