Ivory Coast Forward Wahi to Miss Canada World Cup Trip Over Travel Authorisation Issues

Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi will not travel to Canada for his team’s World Cup clash with Germany this weekend because the administrative authorisations required for his entry into Canadian territory have not been obtained, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old Nice striker, who made his senior debut for the Elephants in March 2026 after previously representing France at Under-21 level, will remain in the United States until the squad returns from Canada. The announcement came amid swirling controversy: just a day earlier, Wahi had been linked to a French investigation into suspected sports corruption.

French authorities flagged unusual betting patterns connected to a yellow card Wahi received during a Ligue 1 match while playing for Nice last month. On May 29, the forward was taken into custody as part of a broader probe into suspected organised fraud, organised sports corruption, handling of stolen goods, and money laundering, the Marseille prosecutor’s office confirmed to Reuters.

The FIF moved swiftly to offer its backing to the player, stating that it had not been officially notified of any legal or administrative proceedings concerning him. “During this particularly difficult period, the FIF offers its full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him,” the federation said. “Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Ivory Coast national team.”

The timing could hardly be more disruptive for the West African nation, who opened their Group E campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ecuador. Germany, their next opponents, arrive in ominous form after demolishing Curacao 7-1 in their opening fixture, and Ivory Coast will need every available resource to contain a side that has signalled its intent in emphatic fashion.

Wahi’s absence leaves a gap in the Ivorian attack that coach Emerse Fae will have to address with limited preparation time. The forward’s pace and movement had been expected to trouble the German defence, and his removal from the travelling party forces a tactical rethink at short notice.

The case also raises broader questions about the intersection of sport and integrity at the highest level. French football has been grappling with a series of betting-related investigations in recent seasons, and Wahi’s involvement — whether ultimately proven or not — serves as a reminder that the World Cup stage does not insulate players from off-field scrutiny.

For now, Ivory Coast must focus on the task at hand: a daunting fixture against one of the tournament’s most impressive early performers, played without one of their key attacking options.

Image Source: GHANAIAN TIMES