Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi, below investigation for alleged betting-related offenses, has acquired authorization to enter Canada for his nation’s World Cup match in opposition to Germany, the Ivorian soccer federation stated Thursday.
The federation earlier stated the 23-year-old Wahi was not going to have the opportunity to journey to Canada, nevertheless it issued an announcement Thursday stating the mandatory authorizations had now been obtained.
Wahi began in Monday’s 1-0 win over Ecuador in Philadelphia. The Elephants play Germany on Saturday in Toronto of their second match of the event.
Taous Ait, a spokesperson for Canada’s immigration minister, declined to touch upon the case, citing a necessity for authorization from the person concerned.
The French soccer league stated Wednesday that an “unusual amount of bets” had been positioned internationally on Wahi receiving a yellow card throughout a recreation on May 17 whereas enjoying for Nice. The French league was alerted by companions monitoring betting markets about suspicious betting exercise regarding Nice’s dwelling recreation in opposition to Metz, which led to a 0-0 draw and wherein Wahi was proven a yellow card.
The French league stated it handed that info to police and playing authorities, in addition to the French soccer federation.
Asked whether or not Wahi was questioned by police, the Marseille prosecutor’s workplace informed The Associated Press “a 23-year-old professional football player, competing in France’s Ligue 1 championship, was arrested on May 29, 2026, as part of their investigation.”
The workplace added “the investigation concerns alleged offenses of organized fraud, organized sports corruption, receiving stolen goods, and money laundering.” The participant was questioned whereas in police custody and was launched with out being detained.
Wahi’s representatives didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.
The Ivorian soccer federation stated it has not been formally notified “of any judicial or administrative proceedings” regarding Wahi. The soccer physique stated if “offers its full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him.”
“Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Ivory Coast national team,” it added.
Wahi joined Nice on mortgage from Eintracht Frankfurt in January and scored 9 targets in 18 video games in all competitions, serving to the group attain the French Cup ultimate.
The French league season ended May 17. Wahi scored twice lower than two weeks later to assist Nice keep within the prime division, a 4-1 win over Saint-Etienne within the second leg of the promotion-relegation playoffs.