Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has been ruled out of the World Cup group stage clash against Germany after being refused entry into Canada. Wahi was reportedly arrested on suspicion of match-fixing just a fortnight before the World Cup, in connection with an incident during a match for French club Nice last month.
Background of the Incident
The forward travelled to the United States for the tournament and started in the victory over Ecuador in Philadelphia, but the Ivorian Football Federation has since confirmed he will not be joining his teammates on the trip to Canada. This follows Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey being denied entry to the country for their match against Panama.
A statement from the Ivorian Football Federation read: "The Ivorian Football Federation has taken note of the various articles and information published on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, concerning Ivorian international Elye Wahi. To date, the FIF has not been officially notified of any judicial or administrative proceedings involving him.
"In this particularly delicate period, the FIF extends all its support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elye Wahi remains an important element of the Ivory Coast national team."
The statement continued: "The FIF also informs that the player will not be able to join the delegation's trip to Canada. Indeed, the necessary administrative authorisations for his entry into Canadian territory could not be obtained at this stage. Elye Wahi will therefore remain in the United States pending the team's return. The Ivorian Football Federation will continue to follow the situation closely and will communicate any useful official information."
Allegations and Investigation
The Athletic reports that Wahi was arrested and later released following a police interview in connection with the alleged incident. The probe centres on whether he deliberately picked up a yellow card during Nice's match against Metz on 17 May.
The striker joined Nice on loan in January from German club Eintracht Frankfurt, netting nine goals to help fire his side to the French Cup final.
Ivory Coast's World Cup Campaign
Ivory Coast got their tournament off to a flying start courtesy of a last-gasp winner from Manchester United star Amad Diallo, which saw them overcome Ecuador earlier this week. Next up for the side is a Group E clash against Germany in Toronto, with both nations aware that a point apiece would likely be enough to secure their places in the knockout rounds.
