Elly Wahi denied entry to Canada after playing in World Cup opening match
It has been confirmed that Ivorian winger Eli Wahi has been refused entry to Canada. (Image: Josep Martinsson – FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)
Ivory Coast striker Elie Wahi has been excluded from the World Cup group stage match against Germany after being refused entry to Canada. Wahi was reportedly arrested on suspicion of spot match-fixing just two weeks before the World Cup in connection with an incident during a match with French club Nice last month.
The player traveled to the United States for the tournament and started in the win over Ecuador in Philadelphia, but the Ivorian Football Federation later announced that he and his teammates would not take part in the trip to Canada. This comes after Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey was refused entry into the country for the match against Panama.
“The Ivorian Football Federation has taken note of the various articles and information regarding Ivorian international Elie Wahi published on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. To date, FIF has not been officially informed of any judicial or administrative proceedings regarding him,” the statement said.
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“At this particularly delicate time, FIF offers the player all its support and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elly Wahi remains an important element of the Ivorian national team.”
“FIF has also advised that the player cannot participate in the delegation to Canada. Indeed, at this stage it has not been possible to obtain the necessary administrative permission for the player to enter Canadian territory.”
“Eli Wahi will therefore remain in the United States until the team’s return. The Ivorian Football Federation will continue to closely monitor the situation and communicate any useful official information.”
Elie Wahi started for Ivory Coast in the World Cup match against Ecuador. (Images: DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images, Getty Images)
The Athletic reported that Wahi was arrested and released after being questioned by police in connection with the incident. The investigation focuses on whether he intentionally received a yellow card during the match between Nice and Metz on May 17.
The striker joined Nice on loan from German club Eintracht Frankfurt in January and helped the team reach the French Cup final, scoring nine goals.
Ivory Coast got off to a good start by defeating Ecuador earlier this week with a last-minute winner from Manchester United star Amad Diallo.
They will next face Germany in Group E in Toronto, and both sides know they have a good chance of securing a spot in the knockout stages if they get just one point.
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