Ivory Coast Forward Elye Wahi Denied Canada Entry Due to Visa Issues Amid Match-Fixing Allegations

Toronto. Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi will not be going to Canada for the important World Cup match against Germany to be held in Toronto this week.

The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) stated on Thursday that he was unable to travel with the team to Canada because he could not obtain the necessary permission (visa) to enter Canada.

According to international media, the Federation made this announcement the day after Wahi's name was linked to a suspicious investigation into match-fixing and corruption. French authorities stated that an investigation was launched last month after unusual betting activity was found related to a yellow card received by Wahi while playing for his club Nice in French Ligue 1.

However, Wahi has not yet responded to this matter, and he has not been officially placed on the list of suspects.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Marseille prosecutor's office informed Reuters that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was taken into custody on May 29 for investigation on suspicion of organized fraud, organized sports corruption, trafficking in stolen goods, and money laundering. However, the name of the player has not been disclosed.

In the World Cup's first match held in Philadelphia last Monday, Ivory Coast defeated Ecuador 1-0, with Wahi playing in the starting eleven. The Football Federation clarified that he will remain in the USA due to not receiving permission for Canada and will only join the team after they return from Canada.