Elye Wahi will remain in the United States and will not be able to travel with the Ivory Coast national team to Canada for its upcoming World Cup match against Germany.

The forward has been barred from crossing the Canadian border with the rest of the squad due to an ongoing investigation in France tied to suspected match manipulation.

Arrest and investigation in France

According to reporting from The Athletic, Wahi was arrested and questioned by French authorities on May 29.

The Nice forward is under investigation for allegedly influencing a Ligue 1 match played on May 17 against Metz, where he is suspected of deliberately forcing a yellow card. Authorities are also examining possible links to betting-related activity.

Although he was released, the investigation remains open.

Travel restriction ahead of World Cup fixture

Because of the legal situation, Canadian authorities have denied clearance for Wahi to enter the country with the Ivory Coast delegation.

As a result, Ivory Coast will be without one of its key attacking players for the high-profile matchup against Germany in Toronto.

The Ivorian Football Federation, known as the FIF, said it has not been formally notified of any judicial or administrative proceedings against the player.

Despite the travel restriction, Wahi is expected to remain in the United States while awaiting his teammates.

Ivory Coast federation statement

The FIF released an official statement addressing the situation:

“The Ivorian Football Federation has taken note of the various articles and information published on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, regarding international player Elye Wahi.

“To date, the FIF has not been officially notified of any judicial or administrative proceedings against him.

“During this particularly sensitive 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 also informs that the player will not be able to travel with the delegation to Canada. Indeed, the necessary administrative authorizations for entry into Canadian territory have not been obtained at this stage. Elye Wahi will therefore remain in the United States awaiting the team’s return.

“The Ivorian Football Federation will continue to monitor the situation closely and will communicate any official updates as necessary.”

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