Wahi barred from Ivory Coast's World Cup clash with Germany after match-fixing arrest

Elye Wahi has been ruled out of Ivory Coast’s World Cup group stage clash against Germany in Toronto after being denied entry into Canada, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. The striker’s exclusion follows reports that he was arrested and later released on suspicion of match-fixing just a fortnight before the tournament began.

Wahi had started Ivory Coast’s opening victory over Ecuador in Philadelphia, but the FIF confirmed he would not be travelling north with the rest of the squad. The investigation centres on whether he deliberately accumulated a yellow card during Nice’s Ligue 1 match against Metz on 17 May, according to The Athletic.

In an official statement, the FIF said it had not been formally notified of any judicial or administrative proceedings involving the player, but acknowledged that the necessary authorisations for his entry into Canadian territory could not be obtained. “The FIF extends all its support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him,” the federation said, adding that Wahi “remains an important element of the Ivory Coast national team” and will stay in the United States pending the squad’s return.

Wahi joined Nice on loan in January from Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring nine goals and helping the club reach the French Cup final. The 22-year-old’s situation mirrors that of Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who was also denied entry into Canada ahead of his country’s match against Panama.

Ivory Coast’s win over Ecuador was sealed by a stoppage-time goal from Manchester United winger Amad Diallo. The Ivorians now face Germany in Group E, with both sides knowing that a draw would likely be sufficient to advance to the knockout rounds.