In brief
- Côte d’Ivoire forward Elye Wahi has received authorisation to travel to Canada for this weekend’s World Cup clash with Germany.
- Wahi was linked to an investigation into suspected sports corruption.
Ivorian striker Elye Wahi has been cleared to journey to Canada for the upcoming World Cup match against Germany, as confirmed by the nation’s football federation.
This update follows an earlier announcement that he would be unable to travel due to visa issues.
“The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) is pleased to announce that Elye Wahi’s administrative status has been resolved positively. He now possesses the required permissions to enter Canadian soil,” according to a statement posted on the official X account of the Ivorian Football Federation.
A representative from Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) explained to Reuters that in certain special cases, Temporary Resident Permits can be issued to individuals who might otherwise be ineligible or do not satisfy the criteria for temporary entry into Canada.
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The IRCC added that, without signed consent, it was not possible to provide details regarding any individual application.
Wahi was linked to an investigation into suspected sports corruption, with French authorities saying unusual betting patterns were detected around a yellow card Wahi received in a Ligue 1 match while playing for Nice last month.
Wahi, who was not immediately available to comment, was not named as a suspect.
A spokesperson for the Marseille prosecutor’s office told Reuters a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was taken into custody on 29 May as part of an investigation into suspected organised fraud, organised sports corruption, handling stolen goods and money laundering.
‘Difficult period’
The FIF said it had full confidence in Wahi.
“To date, the FIF has not been officially notified of any legal or administrative proceedings concerning him,” the FIF said in a statement.
“During this particularly difficult period, the FIF offers its full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Ivory Coast national team.”
The FIF earlier said Wahi would not be able to join the delegation’s trip to Canada.
“This is because the administrative authorisations required for him to enter Canadian territory have not yet been obtained. Elye Wahi will therefore remain in the United States until the team returns,” it said.
Wahi, who previously represented France at Under-21 level, made his senior international debut for Côte d’Ivoire in March.
Côte d’Ivoire beat Ecuador 1-0 in their first Group E match, while Germany are coming off a 7-1 rout of Curaçao.
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