World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast’s Eli Wahi banned from Canada

Ivory Coast international Elie Wahi has been barred from entering Canada for his country’s World Cup group game against Germany on Saturday.

Nice was ahead It is reported, External He was arrested last month for allegedly taking part in spot-fixing in Ligue 1 ahead of the World Cup.

Wahi, 23 – Started Sunday. Ecuador won the World Cup – Accused of receiving a yellow card on purpose while playing for Nice against the Mets in May.

Spot-fixing is the practice of deliberately manipulating match events in a way that allows people to make a profit in betting markets.

A statement from the public prosecutor’s office in Marseille to Athletics confirmed the arrest of the 23-year-old French Ligue 1 footballer, without mentioning Wahy.

On Wednesday, the Ligue de Futbol (LFP) confirmed that they had received an “unusually high amount of bets placed on a warning concerning the player Elye Wahy”.

Ivory Coast’s soccer federation said it had not been informed of any “judicial or administrative proceedings” against Wahi, but confirmed that he was unable to obtain permission to enter Canada.

“The Ivorian Football Federation has reviewed the various articles and information published this Wednesday, June 17, 2026, regarding Ivory Coast international Elie Wahi,” he said.

“Until now, the FIF has not officially announced any judicial and administrative proceedings related to it.

“During this difficult time, FIF offers all its support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him. Eli Wahi is an important part of the Ivory Coast national team.

“FIF also informs that the player will not be able to join the delegation to Canada. Of course, the necessary administrative permission to enter the Canadian territory could not be obtained at this stage.

“So Eli Wahi will stay in the United States until he waits for the team’s return.”

After facing Germany in Toronto, Ivory Coast will next play Curacao in Philadelphia next Thursday.

A statement from Marseille’s public prosecutor said the arrests were made “as part of an investigation by the Marseille public prosecutor’s office into organized fraud, organized sports corruption, the management of criminal proceeds and money laundering”.

The player was released after being interviewed while in police custody and the investigation is still ongoing, officials said.

Wahi’s tally in the game was his fifth in the league, and Nice’s relegation in the first leg against Saint-Etienne on May 26 saw them banned from the play-offs.

That game ended in a 0-0 draw, but Wahi bounced back in the second leg to score 2 goals in a 4-1 win to help Nice retain their top-flight spot.

BBC Sport has spoken to Wahi’s representatives and FIFA for comment.

The LFP said: “At this stage, and taking into account the ongoing investigation and the confidentiality requirements of the police authorities, the LFP will not make any further comments and has not initiated disciplinary procedures. However, it has the right to do so depending on the progress of the investigation.

“The LFP reiterates that it is fully committed to ensuring the integrity of its competitions and will act with full determination against any behavior that could undermine it.”

Wahi is the second World Cup player banned from Canada after Ghana’s Thomas Partey. Visa refused. Due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK.

Former Arsenal midfielder He pleaded not guilty. Between 2020 and 2022, four separate women have filed seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault and are scheduled to go to trial next year.

Party He falsely told authorities in Canada. He has never been arrested or charged with a crime Ghana won the World Cup As a result, on Panama.

The Ghanaian government had applied for permission for him to enter the country for a short period of time to participate in the Games, but the appeal was rejected by the Federal Court in Ottawa.