Thursday, June 18, 2026 - 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 spot fixing just a fortnight before the World Cup, in connection with an incident during a match for French club Nice last month.
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. It follows Ghana midfielder Thomas
Partey being denied entry to the country for their match vs Panama.
A statement 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 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."
The Athletic report 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 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.
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