Elye Wahi Denied Canada Entry for World Cup Clash vs Germany Amid Spot-Fixing Probe - Second Player Barred

There is now more controversy regarding entering Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After Thomas Partey of Ghana was denied access to the country, Elye Wahi of Ivory Coast has also been barred from entering Canada. This means that Wahi is unable to play in the crucial group match between Ivory Coast and Germany.

According to the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), Elye Wahi who is 23 years old is unable to secure the necessary administrative clearances and therefore cannot enter Canada. Wahi will remain in the US and will not travel to Canada with his teammates. However, Wahi managed to play in Ivory Coast’s victory against Ecuador in the first match of the World Cup.

Recent reports from France link Wahi to an alleged spot-fixing investigation. It is alleged that he deliberately received a yellow card during a Ligue 1 match played between Nice and Metz in May. French prosecutors confirmed that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player had been detained in connection with the investigation, though no player was officially named. Meanwhile, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has also acknowledged receiving information regarding unusual betting activity involving Wahi. However, the Ivory Coast Football Federation has clarified that it has received no official information regarding any judicial or administrative action against the player and stands firmly in support of Wahi.

Prior to Wahi, veteran Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey was also denied entry into Canada. Partey was unable to participate in Ghana's opening group match against Panama. Canadian authorities had rejected his visa application, citing a pending criminal case against him in the United Kingdom. Partey faces allegations related to rape and sexual violence, though he has consistently denied all charges.