World Cup: Ivory Coast’s Elye Wahi granted entry to Canada despite on-site investigation
Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has been cleared to travel to Canada after receiving the necessary clearance, the country’s football federation (FIF) confirmed on Thursday. Development has come just hours after the federation announced that the striker will miss the trip because his visa was not approved in time.
A spokesman for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) told Reuters that individuals who cannot otherwise enter the country may be granted temporary residence permits in exceptional cases. But the official declined to comment on the Wahi case, citing privacy rules that prevent disclosure without the applicant’s consent.
“The Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) reports that the administrative situation of Elye Wahi has developed favorably. The necessary permits have now been obtained for his entry into Canadian territory,” read a statement from Ivory Coast’s official X account.
The visa issue comes against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation in France into suspected corruption in sports. French authorities are investigating unusual betting activity linked to the yellow card Wahi received during a Ligue 1 match while representing Nice last month.
Although the 23-year-old man was involved in the investigation, he was not named as a suspect. Wahi was also not available for immediate comment.
The 23-year-old Ligue 1 footballer was taken into police custody on May 29 as part of an investigation into allegations of organized fraud, organized sports corruption, handling stolen goods and money laundering, according to a spokesman for the Marseille prosecutor’s office.
Despite the reports, FIF reiterated its full support for Wahim and expressed confidence in the striker.
“To date, FIF has not been officially informed of any judicial or administrative proceedings involving him,” FIF said in a statement.
“During this particularly difficult period, FIF offers the player its full support and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Ivory Coast national team.”
Earlier on Thursday, the federation said Wahi would not be able to accompany the squad to Canada due to pending travel documentation.
“This is because the administrative clearances required to enter Canadian territory have not yet been obtained. Therefore, Elye Wahi will remain in the United States until the team returns,” it said.
The former France under-21 international made his senior debut for Ivory Coast in March.
Ivory Coast opened their Group E campaign with a 1-0 win over Ecuador, while Germany came into the match on the back of a commanding 7-1 win against Curacao.
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Published on:
19 Jun 2026 02:58 IST