Canada Visa Rejection Forces Ivory Coast Star Elye Wahi Out of World Cup Match

Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi will be unavailable for Saturday’s World Cup encounter against Germany after failing to secure a visa to enter Canada, according to the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF).

The federation announced on Thursday that the required documentation for Wahi’s entry into Canada had not been approved, ruling him out of the Group E clash in Toronto.

“The administrative authorisations necessary for his entry into Canadian territory have not been obtained at this stage,” the FIF said.

The federation further stated that the forward would not be able to “travel with the delegation to Canada” ahead of the fixture.

No explanation was given regarding the visa decision.

Wahi is now the second player at the tournament to be denied entry into Canada, following Ghana international Thomas Partey.

His absence comes as reports emerge that French authorities questioned the 23-year-old in connection with an investigation into suspected match-related betting activity.

The inquiry focuses on a yellow card Wahi received during Nice’s 0-0 Ligue 1 draw with Metz in May after betting authorities reportedly detected unusual wagering patterns linked to the incident.

The French football league (LFP) revealed on Wednesday that it had submitted a complaint concerning “facts which could constitute sporting fraud and organised corruption”.

The Marseille prosecutor’s office later confirmed that “a 23-year-old professional footballer, playing in the Ligue 1 championship, was arrested on May 29, 2026 in relation to an ongoing investigation”.

Prosecutors said the case involves allegations of “organised fraud, organised sporting corruption, receiving stolen goods and money laundering”.

Although the player has since been released, authorities said investigations remain ongoing.

The FIF reiterated its backing for Wahi, describing him as “an important element for the Ivory Coast national team”.

The forward, who was born in France, changed his international allegiance to Ivory Coast earlier this year and featured in the country’s opening 1-0 World Cup victory over Ecuador.

Ivory Coast’s final group-stage fixture is scheduled against Curacao in the United States on June 25.

In a separate case, Ghana’s Thomas Partey was also unable to enter Canada and missed his team’s victory over Panama after losing an appeal against his visa rejection.

Partey faces seven rape charges and one charge of sexual assault in Britain involving four women. He denies all allegations.

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