Ivory Coast national football team, the Elephants have suffered a major setback ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E showdown against Germany national football team after forward Elye Wahi was reportedly denied entry into Canada.
The development comes amid an ongoing investigation in France into alleged spot-fixing activities linked to matches during the striker’s time in Ligue 1.
The incident has sparked widespread attention across the football world, with uncertainty now surrounding the player’s immediate future and his role in Côte d’Ivoire’s World Cup campaign.
According to reports emerging from French media, Canadian immigration authorities refused Wahi entry upon arrival due to concerns connected to the ongoing probe.
While no formal charges have been announced against the player, the investigation is believed to be examining suspicious betting patterns and possible manipulation of specific match incidents during previous Ligue 1 fixtures.
The Ivorian Football Federation has yet to issue a detailed official statement on the matter, but sources close to the team indicate that the situation has disrupted preparations ahead of Friday’s high-profile clash against Germany.
Wahi had been expected to play a key role for the Elephants after helping the team secure a winning start to their World Cup campaign with a narrow victory over Ecuador.
His absence would be a significant blow to the African champions as they prepare to face one of the tournament favourites.
The controversy has also intensified discussions about integrity issues in football, particularly concerning betting-related investigations involving professional players in Europe.
French authorities are said to be continuing their inquiries, with investigators reportedly gathering evidence related to unusual betting activities tied to selected Ligue 1 matches.
Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire’s technical team is now expected to adjust its attacking plans ahead of the Germany encounter.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the Elephants respond both on and off the pitch amid the growing uncertainty surrounding one of their key forwards.
The Group E clash between Côte d’Ivoire and Germany is scheduled for June 20 as both sides battle for a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
By 1960news.com
