World Cup: Ivory Coast's Elye Wahi denied Canada entry for Germany match

AI Summary

Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi will not travel to Canada for the World Cup clash with Germany due to issues with his authorisation to visit the country. This comes after Wahi was linked to an investigation into suspected sports corruption.

The Unexpected Twist in Ivory Coast's World Cup Campaign

Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi will not travel to Canada for this weekend’s World Cup clash with Germany in Toronto because his authorisation to visit the country has not been obtained, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) said on Thursday.

The Investigation into Suspected Sports Corruption

The announcement came the day after Wahi was linked to an investigation into suspected sports corruption, with French authorities saying unusual betting patterns were detected around a yellow card Wahi received in a Ligue 1 match while playing for his club side Nice last month.

Wahi's Status and Future Plans

Wahi, who was not immediately available to comment, has not been named as a suspect. A spokesperson for the Marseille prosecutor’s office told Reuters that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was taken into custody on May 29 as part of an investigation into suspected organised fraud, organised sports corruption, handling stolen goods and money laundering.

The Impact on Ivory Coast's World Cup Campaign

Wahi started up front when Ivory Coast defeated Ecuador 1-0 in their World Cup opener in Philadelphia on Monday. He will remain in the US pending the team’s return, the federation said.