Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has reportedly become the latest player to be denied entry into Canada for the ongoing FIFA World Cup. The striker is under investigation for match-fixing, having been arrested just before the commencement of the tournament.
According the The Athletic, Wahi will remain behind in the USA while the rest of his teammates proceed to Canada for their meeting with Germany on June 20th. The 23-year-old was arrested following suspicions of spot-fixing in France on May 29th, but was allowed to leave for the FIFA World Cup because he had not been charged with any crime.
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Elye Wahi featured for the Elephants in their opening game against Ecuador, playing from the start in their 1-0 win in the Group E encounter. He will now be unavailable for their second group game, forcing coach Emerse Fae to change his plans for the game.
Wahi was arrested after French authorities received a tip about an unusual volume of bets regarding the striker picking up a yellow card against Metz. Playing for Nice, he picked up a booking in the game on May 17th and was arrested 12 days later. He was released shortly afterwards, but remains under investigation.
The Ivory Coast star joins Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey in being banned from entering into Canada due to ongoing criminal investigations against them. Villarreal star Partey did not make the trip as Ghana faced Panama in their first game due to an ongoing investigation on allegations of sexual abuse against him in the UK.
Ghana claim FIFA World Cup win despite Partey absence
Ghana picked up a first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the absence of vice-captain Thomas Partey. The Black Stars defeated Panama 1-0 to go second in Group L behind England.
Partey was banned from travelling to Canada due to an ongoing court case in the UK over allegations of sexual abuse by multiple victims. The Villarreal man was an Arsenal player when the alleged incidents took place and left the Gunners last summer after his contract expired.
The Black Stars managed to claim all three points from the hard-fought clash in Toronto thanks to a last-gasp goal from midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi. The 20-year-old slotted home from close range after a ball across the face of goal from Brandon Thomas-Asante in the closing stages. Carlos Queiroz’s side will have Partey back available for their second group game against England.
Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen