Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi will miss his team’s upcoming World Cup match against Germany in Canada after failing to obtain the necessary administrative clearance to enter the country.
The Elephants were due to face Germany in their second Group E World Cup fixture on Saturday, June 20, at BMO Field in Toronto, but the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has confirmed that Wahi will not be part of the travelling squad for the match.
The development comes amid an ongoing investigation in France into alleged match-fixing and suspicious betting activity involving Wahi.
Authorities are examining irregular betting patterns linked to a Ligue 1 match between Nice and Metz in May, where betting activity reportedly focused on Wahi receiving a yellow card.
The Nice forward was booked during the 0-0 draw. He was subsequently arrested by French police on May 29 in connection with the allegations before being released amid ongoing investigations.
In a statement on X on Thursday, FIF confirmed that Wahi had been barred from entering Canada, describing the issue as administrative in nature.
“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,” FIF said.
The federation similarly said that it has not received any official notification of judicial or administrative action concerning the player, while reiterating its support for him.
“To date, the FIF has not been officially notified of any judicial or administrative proceedings involving him. 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,” it said.
According to FIF, Wahi will remain in the United States while his teammates travel to Toronto. He is expected to rejoin the squad after their return from the Canada trip.
“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,” it said.
Ivory Coast opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Ecuador on June 15, with Manchester United forward Amad Diallo scoring a late winner in stoppage time to secure all three points.
Following their second Group E fixture against Germany in Toronto, the Elephants will return to the US ahead of their final group match against Curacao on June 25 at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
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