Canadian authorities have refused entry to France-based striker Elye Wahi ahead of Côte d’Ivoire’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E match against Germany, after the player became the subject of an ongoing match-fixing investigation in France.
The decision means the 23-year-old forward will miss the high-profile encounter, dealing a major setback to Côte d’Ivoire as they continue their World Cup campaign in Group E.
Wahi, who plays his club football in France, was part of the Côte d’Ivoire squad that opened their tournament with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
However, his involvement in the competition has now been interrupted following reports linking him to an active probe into alleged spot-fixing incidents.
According to reports from France, investigators are examining claims that Wahi may have deliberately received a yellow card during a Ligue 1 match for his former club OGC Nice against Metz on May 17.
The caution is said to have coincided with unusual betting activity detected in several regions, prompting authorities and football regulators to launch a formal investigation.
While no formal charges have been confirmed, the ongoing nature of the case has led Canadian immigration authorities to deny him entry for now, in line with regulations that allow restrictions on individuals under active criminal investigation.
Match-fixing allegations remain a serious issue in global football, with governing bodies such as FIFA and UEFA repeatedly warning players and officials about the risks and consequences of involvement in betting-related corruption.
Even allegations alone can lead to immediate career and competition disruptions, especially during major tournaments like the World Cup.
Côte d’Ivoire now face a difficult task as they prepare to take on Germany without one of their attacking options. The team will have to adjust their forward line as they look to build on their opening win and strengthen their position in Group E.
