World Cup 2026: Côte d’Ivoire’s Wahi Allowed Into Canada After Visa Issue

Ivory Coast international Elye Wahi will be allowed into Canada for his country’s World Cup group game against Germany on Saturday, after earlier being denied entry, BBC Sport reports.

The Nice forward was reportedly, external arrested last month before the World Cup over alleged involvement in spot-fixing in Ligue 1.

Wahi, 23 - who started Sunday’s World Cup win over Ecuador - has been accused of deliberately earning a yellow card while playing for Nice against Metz in May.

Spot-fixing is the practice of deliberately affecting match incidents in a way that allows people to profit through betting markets.

A statement to The Athletic from the public prosecutor’s office in Marseille confirmed a 23-year-old football player, competing in France’s Ligue 1, was arrested, without naming Wahi.

On Wednesday, Ligue de Football (LFP) confirmed they had been alerted to “an unusually high volume of bets placed on a warning involving the player Elye Wahi”.

The Ivory Coast’s football federation (FIF) said it had not been told of any “judicial or administrative proceedings” against Wahi, but confirmed he had not been able to obtain authorisation to enter Canada.

However, FIF released an update later on Thursday confirming the player would be part of the travelling party for their second Group E game. Also Read: Ghanaian Female Lawyer Dies After Collapsing While Celebrating Black Stars Win Against Panama

The AFP news agency has reported that Canadian officials had delayed Wahi’s visa authorisation after requesting more information about his legal situation, before rubber-stamping his entry.

“The necessary authorisations for his entry into Canadian territory have now been obtained,” a statement from FIF said.

“As a result, the Ivorian international is authorised to travel with the Elephants’ delegation to Canada and will continue his participation in the competition alongside his team-mates as normal.

“The FIF welcomes this positive outcome and thanks the various parties who contributed to handling this matter.”

A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) told BBC Sport: “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.”

After facing Germany in Toronto, the Ivory Coast then play Curacao in Philadelphia next Thursday.