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Soccer-Ivory Coast forward Wahi left out of Canada trip for Germany game

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 18, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: June 18, 2026

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Ivory Coast Forward Elye Wahi To Miss Germany Match Amid Travel Issues

Elye Wahi's Absence and Related Developments

Travel Authorization Issues Prevent Wahi's Participation

June 18 (Reuters) - Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi will not travel to Canada for this weekend's World Cup clash with Germany, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) said on Thursday, a day after the player was linked to an investigation into suspected sports corruption in a Ligue 1 match.

The FIF said they had full confidence in Wahi and he was not travelling for Saturday's match in Toronto because authorisations for his travel to Canada had not been obtained.

Investigation into Suspected Sports Corruption

French authorities said unusual betting patterns were detected around a yellow card Wahi received in a Ligue 1 match while playing for Nice last month.

FIF's Statement and Support for Elye Wahi

"To date, the FIF has not been officially notified of any legal or administrative proceedings concerning him," the FIF said in a statement.

"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 player will not be able to join the delegation’s trip to Canada. This is because the administrative authorisations required for him to enter Canadian territory have not yet been obtained. Elye Wahi will therefore remain in the United States until the team returns."

Group E Standings and Recent Results

Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0 in their first Group E match, while Germany are coming off a thumping 7-1 win over Curacao.

(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Chopra)

Key Takeaways

  • Wahi is under investigation by French authorities for unusual international bets on him receiving a yellow card in a Nice‑Metz match on May 17, and was arrested (but not charged) on May 29 before being released (devdiscourse.com).
  • The Ivory Coast Football Federation expressed full confidence in Wahi but confirmed he could not travel to Canada as necessary travel authorisations or visas were not obtained (devdiscourse.com).
  • Despite playing in Ivory Coast’s 1‑0 World Cup opener, Wahi’s ability to participate in the June 20 match in Toronto is hampered by administrative entry restrictions, raising questions about managing multi‑country tournament logistics under legal uncertainties (devdiscourse.com).

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Elye Wahi not traveling to Canada for the World Cup match?
Elye Wahi is not traveling due to administrative authorisations for entry into Canada not being obtained in time.
Is Elye Wahi under investigation for sports corruption?
Wahi was linked to an investigation into suspected sports corruption regarding unusual betting patterns during a Ligue 1 match, but no official proceedings have been notified.
What is the statement of the Ivorian Football Federation about Wahi?
The FIF expressed full confidence in Wahi and their support, noting that he remains an important team member.
Where will Elye Wahi remain during the team’s trip to Canada?
Elye Wahi will remain in the United States until the team returns from Canada.
How have Ivory Coast and Germany performed in Group E so far?
Ivory Coast won 1-0 against Ecuador, while Germany defeated Curacao 7-1 in their previous matches.

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