Wahi cleared to enter Canada for World Cup after visa drama linked to corruption probe

Elye Wahi has been cleared to enter Canada for Ivory Coast’s World Cup Group E fixture against Germany, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed on Thursday, resolving a visa crisis that had cast doubt over his participation just days before the match.

The FIF announced the breakthrough in a statement on its official X account: “The necessary authorisations for his entry into Canadian territory have now been obtained.” Canadian immigration officials had not responded to inquiries at the time of the announcement.

The travel uncertainty stemmed from an ongoing French investigation into suspected sports corruption. Wahi has been linked to the probe after French authorities reportedly detected unusual betting patterns surrounding a yellow card he received during a Ligue 1 match last month while on loan at Nice. A spokesperson for the Marseille prosecutor’s office told Reuters that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was taken into custody on 29 May as part of an inquiry into alleged organised fraud, sports corruption, handling stolen goods, and money laundering. Wahi has not been named as a suspect.

The FIF moved to back its player publicly, stating it had not been officially notified of any legal or administrative proceedings concerning him. “During this particularly difficult period, the FIF 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,” the federation said.

Wahi, who previously represented France at Under-21 level, made his senior international debut for Ivory Coast in March. He started Ivory Coast’s opening Group E match, a 1-0 victory over Ecuador, before being substituted in the second half.

Ivory Coast now face a Germany side that hammered Curacao 7-1 in their opener. A win for the Elephants would secure their place in the knockout stages, though Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany represent a formidable obstacle.