Ivory Coast striker Wahi barred from Canada World Cup game

Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi could not enter Canada for his team's World Cup match against Germany after an arrest over alleged match-fixing.

Player denied entry Ivorian striker Elye Wahi was prevented from traveling to Canada for his country's 2026 World Cup group-stage clash with Germany on Saturday. The 23-year-old Nice player had been arrested the previous month before the tournament began on suspicion of involvement in spot-fixing within Ligue 1. Reports indicated the arrest followed allegations that he intentionally earned a yellow card during a May match versus Metz. Spot-fixing involves manipulating specific match events to benefit betting markets. ## Prosecution confirms arrest A statement from the Marseille public prosecutor’s office acknowledged the detention of a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player as part of an investigation into organized fraud, sports corruption, money laundering, and handling criminal proceeds. The statement was issued without naming Wahi. Wahi played the full 90 minutes in Ivory Coast’s opening World Cup victory over Ecuador on Sunday. ## French league reacts to betting alerts On Wednesday, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) reported receiving notice of an unusually high volume of bets placed on a disciplinary warning involving Elye Wahi. The LFP chose not to comment further due to the ongoing investigation and police confidentiality rules. They reserved the right to take disciplinary action once the probe concludes. The organization emphasized its dedication to protecting competition integrity and taking strong action against any violations. ## Ivorian federation supports player The Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) issued a statement noting they had not received any official notice of legal or administrative proceedings against Wahi as of June 17, 2026. The federation expressed full backing for the player, calling him a key member of the national team. They confirmed Wahi would miss the trip to Canada because entry permits could not be secured. The statement said Wahi would remain in the United States until the squad returns. ## World Cup schedule affected After facing Germany in Toronto, the Ivory Coast is scheduled to meet Curaçao in Philadelphia on June 26, 2026. The FIF confirmed Wahi’s absence from both games. The federation stressed it had not been informed of any judicial or administrative actions against him. They added that Wahi remains a vital part of the team despite the situation. ## Investigation details revealed The Marseille prosecutor’s office described the arrest as part of a broader inquiry into organized fraud and sports corruption. The player was released after being questioned in police custody, and investigations are continuing. Wahi’s booking in the May match was his fifth of the season, resulting in a suspension for the first leg of Nice’s relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne on May 26. That match ended 0-0, but Wahi returned for the second leg, scoring twice in a 4-1 win that preserved Nice’s top-flight status. ## FIFA and representatives contacted Representatives of Wahi and FIFA have been approached for comment regarding the matter. The LFP reiterated its stance that it would not comment further while the investigation remains active. They stressed their commitment to maintaining the integrity of their competitions. The LFP warned it would act decisively if any behavior threatened the fairness of its leagues. ## Another World Cup player blocked Wahi joins Ghana’s Thomas Partey as the second World Cup player denied entry to Canada over ongoing legal issues. Partey had pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one sexual assault charge stemming from allegations by four women between 2020 and 2022. He is set for trial next year. Partey incorrectly told Canadian officials he had never been arrested or charged, which led to his visa refusal. Ghana’s request for a temporary entry permit was rejected by a federal court in Ottawa.