Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi started against Ecuador in a group stage opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday in Philadelphia. Photo by Shawn Thew/EPA
Forward Elye Wahi, who is under investigation for suspected match fixing, was denied entry into Canada for the 2026 World Cup, the Ivorian Football Federation announced Thursday
Wahi started during Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win over Ecuador on Sunday in Philadelphia. The Ivorians will take on Germany in their second Group E match Saturday in Toronto.
“In this particularly delicate period, the FIF extends all its support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him,” the federation said. “Elye Wahi remains an important element of the Ivory Coast national team.
“The federation also informs that the player will not be able to join the delegation’s trip to Canada. Indeed, the necessary administrative authorizations for his entry into Canadian territory could not be obtained at this stage. Elye Wahi will therefore remain in the United States pending the team’s return. The Ivorian Football Federation will continue to follow the situation closely and will communicate any useful official information.”
France’s Ligue 1 announced Wednesday that an “unusual” amount of bets were placed regarding Wahi receiving a yellow card during Nice’s 0-0 draw with Metz on May 17. Wahi received a yellow card in the 35th minute of the draw.
The New York Times reported Wednesday that Wahi was arrested on suspicion on match fixing allegations less than two weeks before the World Cup. Sources told the Times that investigations into Wahi remain ongoing.
FFIA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.
“At this stage, and in view of the ongoing proceedings and the associated confidentiality requirements imposed on it by the police authorities, the Ligue de Professional Football (LFP) will not make any further comment and has not initiated any disciplinary proceedings,” said the LFP, the governing body of French soccer. “It reserves the right, however, to do so depending on how the investigations progress.
“The LFP reiterates that it remains fully committed to safeguarding the integrity of its competitions and that it will take the strongest possible action against any behavior likely to compromise it.”
Wahi has not been charged with any crime amid the ongoing probes.
“To date, the FIF has not been officially notified of any judicial or administrative proceedings involving him,” the Ivorian Football Federation said.
The Ivory Coast and Germany will face off at 4 p.m. EDT Saturday at Toronto Stadium. The Ivorians will battle Curacao in their Group E finale Thursday in Philadelphia.
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