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Sports
Jun 19, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Elye Wahi’s Visa Reversal Clears Way for Ivory Coast at World Cup

AI Summary
Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi secured a Canadian travel visa just hours after the federation announced his denial, allowing him to join the squad for the Group E clash with Germany. The reversal comes amid a French corruption probe but the player faces no charges at this stage.

Visa Reversal Enables Wahi’s Participation in Canada

The Ivorian Football Federation announced that the administrative hurdles preventing Elye Wahi from entering Canada have been resolved, granting him the necessary travel authorisation for the upcoming World Cup match against Germany.

Chronology of the Administrative Fluctuation

  • June 18, 2026: Federation initially stated Wahi could not travel due to a missing visa.
  • Hours later on the same day, the federation confirmed the visa was obtained and Wahi would join the delegation.
  • May 29, 2026: French authorities detained Wahi as part of a broader sport‑corruption investigation.

Numbers Behind the Story

While no financial figures are involved, the sporting context includes:

  • Ivory Coast’s 1‑0 victory over Ecuador in their first Group E match.
  • Germany’s 7‑1 win over Curaçao in the previous round.
  • Wahi, a 23‑year‑old Ligue 1 player for Nice, was questioned for “a few hours” and released without charges.

Implications for Ivory Coast and the Tournament

The federation’s swift reversal underscores its confidence in Wahi, emphasizing his importance to the national team’s attacking options. It also highlights the logistical challenges national squads face when players are entangled in legal investigations, potentially affecting squad cohesion and preparation.

Looking Ahead: Legal and Sporting Outlook

Wahi’s lawyer, Marie Dose, stresses that he faces no current judicial restrictions, suggesting he can focus on the tournament. However, the ongoing French probe into alleged betting irregularities could resurface, potentially impacting his future eligibility. For Ivory Coast, the immediate priority is leveraging Wahi’s presence to secure a win against Germany and advance from the group stage.