FIFA World Cup 2026
Wahi Finally Cleared to Enter Canada
Collected Photo
Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi faced visa complications after his arrest in a spot-fixing scandal, but he has now received clearance to enter Canada. The 23-year-old striker will be available to join his team for Saturday’s World Cup group-stage match against Germany in Toronto.
Authorities arrested Wahi last month over allegations of involvement in spot-fixing in France’s Ligue 1. Investigators allege that he deliberately received a yellow card while playing for OGC Nice against FC Metz this season, allowing gamblers to profit from the incident. Spot-fixing refers to the manipulation of a specific event in a match to generate gains in betting markets.
The Marseille Public Prosecutor’s Office said authorities had arrested a 23-year-old Ligue 1 footballer as part of an investigation into organized fraud, sports corruption, receiving criminal proceeds, and money laundering. However, prosecutors did not identify Wahi by name. Authorities later released him after questioning, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The French Professional Football League (LFP) confirmed on Wednesday that it had detected unusually high betting activity linked to Wahi. The Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) said it had not been informed of any judicial or administrative proceedings against the player, although Canadian authorities initially denied him entry.
According to an AFP report, Canadian immigration authorities temporarily suspended approval of his visa while seeking additional information about his legal situation. FIF later announced on Thursday that Wahi had obtained all necessary clearances and would be able to travel to Canada with the team.
Wahi started Ivory Coast’s opening match against Ecuador. After the match against Germany, the team will face Curacao in Philadelphia next Thursday.
Wahi is not the only player to face entry issues in Canada during this World Cup. Ghana’s Thomas Partey was denied a visa because of an ongoing criminal case in the United Kingdom. The former Arsenal FC midfielder is due to stand trial next year on rape and sexual assault charges brought by four women. Authorities said he provided false information when seeking entry to Canada, and he ultimately missed Ghana’s victory over Panama.
