Ivory Coast have suffered a major setback ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup Group E encounter against Germany after striker Elye Wahi was denied entry into Canada amid an ongoing match-fixing investigation in France.
The 23-year-old forward, who started and helped the Elephants secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their opening group match, will be unavailable for Saturday’s showdown in Toronto after Canadian authorities refused him permission to enter the country.
Wahi’s absence comes at a critical stage of the tournament, with Ivory Coast seeking a positive result against four-time world champions Germany in a group that is expected to go down to the final round of matches.
The striker had travelled with the Ivorian squad for the World Cup and featured prominently in the win over Ecuador in the United States, striking the crossbar during an encouraging display.
However, developments away from the pitch have now overshadowed his tournament campaign.
Investigation Casts Shadow Over World Cup Participation in Canada
Wahi is currently at the centre of an investigation launched by French authorities following allegations linked to suspicious betting activity surrounding a Ligue 1 fixture between Nice and Metz on May 17.
According to reports from France, investigators are examining whether the forward deliberately received a yellow card during the match. Betting monitoring agencies reportedly detected an unusually high volume of wagers placed across multiple countries on Wahi being booked during the game, prompting concerns among football regulators.
The French Professional Football League (LFP) subsequently alerted the relevant authorities after receiving reports from its betting integrity partners regarding the abnormal betting patterns. French prosecutors later opened an investigation into alleged offences including organised sports corruption, fraud and money laundering.
Wahi was briefly taken into custody on May 29 and questioned by investigators before being released. Authorities have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that the player has not been formally charged with any offence. No sporting sanctions have been imposed against him by the French league at this stage.
The incident under scrutiny occurred during Nice’s final league match of the season against Metz. Wahi received a yellow card in the first half of the encounter, a booking that later triggered widespread scrutiny after betting irregularities were identified.
Ivory Coast Forced to Adjust Plans
The decision by Canadian authorities means Wahi will remain in the United States while the rest of the Ivory Coast squad travels to Toronto for the Germany fixture. Reports indicate that he is expected to rejoin the team once they return to the United States for their remaining commitments.
His absence leaves head coach Emerse Faé with a significant selection dilemma. Although Wahi is still searching for his first international goal, he has been viewed as one of the team’s key attacking options and was entrusted with a starting role against Ecuador.
Before joining Ivory Coast at senior level, Wahi represented France at various youth levels and built a reputation as one of the country’s most promising young forwards. During the 2025-26 season he spent time at Nice, where he played an important role in helping the club avoid relegation from Ligue 1.
For Ivory Coast, the focus now shifts to maintaining momentum after their opening victory. A positive result against Germany would significantly enhance their chances of reaching the knockout stages, but they must now attempt to achieve that objective without one of their most talented attacking players.
As investigations continue in France, neither Wahi nor his representatives have publicly commented on the allegations. With no charges filed and no disciplinary action taken by football authorities, the case remains under active review while the World Cup progresses.
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