Canadian authorities have confirmed that Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi will be permitted to feature for his country in Saturday's clash against Germany in Toronto, having previously been refused entry to the nation. Wahi was arrested on suspicion of spot-fixing just a fortnight before the World Cup got under way, in connection with an alleged incident during a match for French club Nice last month. This initially prevented him from crossing into Canada, threatening his involvement in a pivotal group stage fixture for the Ivory Coast.
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was also barred from entering Canada, forcing him to sit out Wednesday's encounter against Panama in Toronto. However, given that Wahi has not been formally charged with any offence, Canadian officials have now granted him clearance to enter the country and take part in the Germany fixture.
Wahi's World Cup Participation
Wahi featured from the start in Ivory Coast's 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their World Cup opener on Sunday, with Amad Diallo netting a dramatic 90th-minute winner in Philadelphia. It was a momentous result for the nation, who could secure a place in the knockout rounds with victory over either Germany or Curacao.
The Athletic had reported on Thursday morning that Wahi would be absent from the squad for the Germany encounter. The Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) had confirmed in an official statement that Wahi had been refused permission to enter Canada.
"The administrative authorizations required for his entry into Canadian territory could not be obtained at this point," the statement read. The FIF also confirmed that Wahi would remain in the United States, with the team based in Philadelphia for the duration of the tournament.
U-Turn by Immigration Authorities
Shortly afterwards, the FIF announced that Wahi would be permitted to enter Canada following a U-turn by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The IRCC confirmed in a statement, "Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada's immigration laws. Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies, while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians as a top priority. In exceptional circumstances, Temporary Resident Permits may be granted to a person who is inadmissible or does not meet the requirements to enter or remain temporarily in Canada."
Wahi continues to be the subject of an ongoing investigation, with allegations suggesting he deliberately collected a yellow card during a fixture against Metz on May 17, before being arrested by French police on May 29. Following his release from police custody, Wahi was given the green light to travel to North America for the World Cup.
Partey's Situation
While Canadian officials have granted Wahi entry, Ghana midfielder Partey was not afforded the same leniency by immigration authorities. The IRCC told the BBC: "Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada's immigration laws. Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies." Partey faces eight criminal charges relating to incidents between 2020 and 2022. Ghana could return to Canadian soil for the Round of 32 should they finish as runners-up in Group L, a scenario that would see Partey sit out the knockout stage encounter.
