Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has received clearance to travel to Canada for the Elephants’ World Cup match against Germany, even though he is under investigation for alleged betting-related offences.
The Ivorian Football Federation announced the update on Friday, reversing an earlier statement that said the 23‑year‑old would not be able to join the squad. The federation confirmed that all required authorisations have now been secured.
Wahi started in Ivory Coast’s 1‑0 win over Ecuador in Philadelphia on Monday and is expected to feature when the Elephants face Germany in Toronto on Saturday.
Meanwhile, French authorities are probing Wahi over suspected spot‑fixing linked to a Ligue 1 game. On Wednesday, the French league reported an unusually high volume of international bets placed on Wahi receiving a yellow card during OGC Nice’s goalless draw with Metz on 17 May.
The league’s betting‑monitoring partners flagged the activity after Wahi was booked, and the case was handed to police, gambling regulators and the French Football Federation.
The Marseille prosecutor’s office said a 23‑year‑old professional footballer playing in Ligue 1 was arrested on 29 May 2026 as part of the inquiry, adding that the investigation covers alleged organised fraud, sports corruption, receiving stolen goods and money laundering.
The player was questioned while in custody and then released without further detention.
The Ivorian federation said it had not been formally notified of any judicial or administrative proceedings against the striker, and that it continues to give him full support and confidence.
It also stressed that Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Ivory Coast national team.
Wahi joined OGC Nice on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt in January and made an immediate impact, scoring nine goals in 18 appearances across all competitions while helping the side reach the French Cup final.
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