Ivory Coast have received a major boost ahead of their World Cup showdown with Germany after striker Elye Wahi was cleared to enter Canada despite being the subject of an ongoing betting-related investigation in France.
The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed that the forward had obtained the necessary travel clearance, reversing earlier concerns that he could miss the crucial fixture.
Wahi has been under scrutiny following allegations linked to suspicious betting patterns during a French league match. French authorities reportedly detained and questioned the 23-year-old last month before releasing him as investigations continued.
The striker was part of the Ivory Coast side that edged Ecuador 1-0 in their opening World Cup match and is expected to be available when the Elephants face Germany in Toronto.
French football officials disclosed that betting monitors detected irregular wagering activity surrounding a match involving OGC Nice, where Wahi received a yellow card. The findings were subsequently forwarded to investigators and football authorities.
Prosecutors said “a 23-year-old professional football player, competing in France’s Ligue 1 championship, was arrested on May 29, 2026, as part of their investigation.”
They added that “the investigation concerns alleged offences of organised fraud, organised sports corruption, receiving stolen goods, and money laundering.”
Despite the controversy, the Ivorian Football Federation said it had not been officially notified “of any judicial or administrative proceedings” involving the player. It further stated that it “offers its full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him.”
The federation also maintained that “Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Ivory Coast national team.”
Wahi joined Nice on loan earlier this year and impressed during his spell with the French club, contributing key goals as they reached the French Cup final and preserved their top-flight status.
