Canada reverses ban to let spot-fixing suspect Wahi face Germany at World Cup

Canadian immigration authorities have reversed their decision to bar Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi from entering the country, clearing him to feature in Saturday’s World Cup group-stage clash against Germany in Toronto.

Wahi was arrested by French police on 29 May on suspicion of spot-fixing, with allegations that he deliberately collected a yellow card during Nice’s Ligue 1 match against Metz on 17 May. The arrest came just a fortnight before the World Cup began, and initially prevented him from crossing the Canadian border.

The Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) confirmed earlier on Thursday that Wahi had been denied entry, stating that “the administrative authorizations required for his entry into Canadian territory could not be obtained at this point.” The Athletic had also reported that morning that Wahi would be absent for the Germany fixture.

Hours later, the FIF issued a second statement announcing the U-turn. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed it had issued Wahi a Temporary Resident Permit, a mechanism available in exceptional circumstances for individuals who are otherwise inadmissible. The IRCC noted that “every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies,” and that no change to Canada’s immigration laws had been made to accommodate the tournament.

The key factor in Wahi’s clearance appears to be the absence of formal charges. He was released from police custody following his arrest and was subsequently permitted to travel to North America for the tournament. The investigation into the alleged spot-fixing incident remains ongoing.

Wahi had already featured for Ivory Coast in their opening game, starting in a 1-0 win over Ecuador in Philadelphia on Sunday, with Amad scoring a 90th-minute winner. A victory over Germany would put the Ivory Coast in a strong position to advance to the knockout rounds.

Not all players in a similar situation have been granted the same treatment. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was also refused entry into Canada and missed Wednesday’s group-stage match against Panama in Toronto. Unlike Wahi, Partey was not afforded a late reprieve.