Elye Wahi, the Côte d’Ivoire striker currently facing scrutiny for alleged match-fixing, has been prevented from traveling to Canada for his team’s World Cup match against Germany. This was confirmed by the Côte d’Ivoire football federation (FIF) on Thursday.
The FIF stated that Wahi would not be joining his teammates for the match scheduled for Saturday in Toronto, citing the inability to obtain “the necessary administrative authorisations for his entry into Canadian territory could not be obtained at this stage”
Wahi played a pivotal role in Côte d’Ivoire’s 1-0 win over Ecuador in their opening match held in Philadelphia on Monday. He will remain in the United States while the team heads back home, according to the FIF.
On Wednesday, the French football league reported a suspicious surge in international bets regarding Wahi receiving a yellow card during a Ligue 1 match against Nice in May. This warning stemmed from partners observing betting activities, who detected unusual patterns surrounding Nice’s home game against Metz on May 17, which ended in a scoreless draw, during which Wahi was shown a yellow card. The French league has since alerted relevant police and gambling authorities, along with the French football federation.
The Marseille prosecutor’s office disclosed that “A 23-year-old professional football player, competing in France’s Ligue 1 championship, was arrested on 29 May 2026 as part of their investigation.”
The office further explained that “The investigation concerns alleged offecses of organised fraud, organised sports corruption, receiving stolen goods, and money laundering.” Although the player was interrogated and released without detention, the investigation continues.
Wahi’s representatives did not offer immediate comments when reached for a statement.
The FIF indicated that it has not received any formal notice regarding “of any judicial or administrative proceedings” involving Wahi. “During this particularly delicate period, the FIF offers its full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Côte d’Ivoire national team.” the federation remarked.
Since moving to Nice on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt in January, Wahi has netted nine goals in 19 appearances, significantly aiding Nice’s progression to the French Cup final.
