Wahi blocked in Canada, Ivory Coast deprived of striker against Germany

Elye Wahi will not take the pitch on Saturday against Germany: Canada refused to grant the OGC Nice striker the administrative authorizations necessary for entry into the country, forcing him to remain in the United States awaiting the return of the Ivory Coast delegation.

The measure comes in a particularly delicate context for the player. According to revelations published Wednesday by The Athletic, Wahi is suspected of deliberately receiving a yellow card during Matchday 34 of Ligue 1, against FC Metz, to favor bettors. Questioned by police in late May as part of this match-fixing investigation, the striker trained at Montpellier finds himself sidelined from a major match without his own federation having taken any disciplinary action against him.

The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) sought to clarify its position in a statement. It specifies that it has “not been officially notified of any legal or administrative proceedings” concerning its player, and reaffirms its confidence in him: “Elye Wahi remains an important element of the Ivory Coast national team.” The federation also indicates it is providing full support to the striker.

A starter in Ivory Coast’s first match against Ecuador (1-0 victory), Wahi will miss the second group match against Germany. He could rejoin his teammates for the third and final group match against Curaçao on June 25 if his administrative situation is resolved by then.