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Jun 18, 2026
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World Cup Disruption: Wahi Denied Canada Visa Amid Fixing Allegations

AI Summary
Côte d'Ivoire striker Elye Wahi has been barred from traveling to Canada for the World Cup match against Germany due to administrative hurdles linked to an ongoing investigation into match-fixing. The decision comes after French authorities arrested Wahi in May on charges of organized fraud and sports corruption, raising serious questions about the integrity of the tournament.

The Administrative Blockade: Wahi's World Cup Absence

Côte d'Ivoire striker Elye Wahi has been barred from traveling to Canada for the team's crucial World Cup match against Germany, the Côte d'Ivoire Football Federation (FIF) announced on Thursday. The federation stated that Wahi would not join the squad for the Saturday game in Toronto because "the necessary administrative authorisations for his entry into Canadian territory could not be obtained at this stage."

Despite starting in the opening 1-0 victory over Ecuador on Monday, Wahi will remain in the United States pending the team's return. This decision casts a shadow over the Ivorian squad just days before a high-stakes encounter.

The Fixing Allegation: A Pattern of Suspicious Betting

The denial of the visa is directly linked to an ongoing criminal investigation into match-fixing. The French football league (LFP) alerted authorities to an "unusual amount of bets" placed internationally on Wahi receiving a yellow card during a Ligue 1 game with Nice in May. The suspicious activity was flagged during Nice's home game against Metz on May 17, which ended 0-0.

  • May 17, 2026: Suspicious betting patterns detected regarding Wahi's card status.
  • May 29, 2026: Marseille prosecutor's office arrests a 23-year-old professional football player (Wahi).
  • Charges: Organized fraud, organized sports corruption, receiving stolen goods, and money laundering.

Wahi was questioned in police custody but released without detention. The investigation remains open, and his representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment.

FIF's Defense and Team Stability

The Côte d'Ivoire Football Federation has publicly defended the player, stating they have not been officially notified of any judicial proceedings. "During this particularly delicate period, the FIF offers its full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him," the statement read.

Wahi's performance this season has been strong, joining Nice on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt in January and scoring nine goals in 19 games, helping the club reach the French Cup final.

Future Implications for the Ivory Coast Squad

The denial of Wahi's visa highlights the increasing vulnerability of national teams to individual player scandals. Even if the legal proceedings are eventually resolved in his favor, the administrative blockage has already disrupted the team's preparation for the Germany match. For Côte d'Ivoire, the priority now shifts to maintaining team cohesion while the legal drama unfolds, potentially forcing the coaching staff to adjust their tactical plans for the upcoming fixture.