/ Sep 29, 2026
/ Sep 29, 2026

World Cup: Cote d’Ivoire striker Elye Wahi denied Canada visa amid match-fixing probe

Published on

By

A Cote d’Ivoire striker, Elye Wahi, has been refused a visa to enter Canada ahead of his country’s World Cup fixture against Germany in Toronto.

 

The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed that Wahi will not travel with the squad for the second group-stage match, though it did not give an official reason for the decision.

Wahi is currently under investigation in France over alleged spot-fixing linked to a Ligue 1 match involving Nice and Metz in May. French authorities are examining claims that he deliberately picked up a yellow card, an incident suspected to have been exploited in betting markets.

The French Professional Football League (LFP) has filed a formal complaint with police, citing possible sporting fraud and organised corruption after unusual betting activity was flagged around the incident.

Wahi, born in France to Ivorian parents, switched international allegiance to Côte d’Ivoire in March. He featured in his country’s opening World Cup win over Ecuador.

He becomes the second player at the tournament to face entry complications into Canada, following Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who previously encountered visa issues linked to legal proceedings in the United States.

The development adds fresh scrutiny to the intersection of ongoing legal cases and international football participation during the 2026 World Cup.

You May Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Most Popular

Must Read

President Bola Tinubu speaking during an APC political event after the party waived his screening requirements for the 2027 primaries.

JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Lagos after France working vacation

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Lagos after ending his working vacation in France, the Presidency has confirmed.   Tinubu arrived at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on Tuesday, September 29, where Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other dignitaries received him. His arrival was also confirmed by the President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, who posted on X: “Landing. Welcome home Mr President!” Tinubu left Abuja on August 30 for a working vacation, travelling first to London before moving to Paris. The Presidency had earlier announced that his stay abroad had been extended by a few days. During his time in France, Tinubu held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré as part of engagements the Presidency described as investment-focused. According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu will remain in Lagos for several days for strategic meetings with political leaders and associates ahead of the 2027 elections. The Presidency said the President chose to return through Lagos to honour the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, who was widely recognised as the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. Tinubu is also expected to attend the premiere of a film honouring Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu on October 1, Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day. The President is expected to return to Abuja after completing his engagements in Lagos.
Read more

Editor's Pick

Trending News

Newsletter

Enter your email address and receive notifications of news by email.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

© 2026 GongNews. All Rights Reserved.