New Delhi: Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has been allowed to travel to Canada for the World Cup match against Germany despite being investigated in France for betting related charges.The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) previously said the 23-year-old would not be able to travel to Canada, but confirmed on Thursday that the necessary permits have now been secured.Wahi started in Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win over Ecuador in Philadelphia on Monday. The Elephants are expected to face Germany on Saturday in Toronto in their second match of the tournament.Immigration officials in Canada have not released details about the case. Taous Ait, a spokesman for Canada’s immigration minister, declined to comment, saying permission from the actor was required.Confirming the development, the agency said: “The necessary permits to enter Canadian territory have now been obtained.”“As a result, the Ivory Coast international has been allowed to travel with the Elephants delegation to Canada and will continue to participate in the tournament alongside his teammates as usual.“FIFA welcomes these positive results and thanks the various parties who helped to deal with this issue,” it added.Wahi is being investigated after French football authorities discovered suspicious betting related to the Ligue 1 match between Nice and Metz on May 17.The French league said on Wednesday that an “extraordinary bet” had been placed around the world on Wahi receiving a yellow card during the match. The match ended 0-0 and Wahi was booked.According to the league, the referees alerted the authorities about the unusual betting practices, and the information was passed on to the police, gambling authorities and the French Football Federation.When asked if Wahi was questioned by the police, the prosecutor’s office in Marseille told The Associated Press that “the 23-year-old football player, who participated in the Ligue 1 competition in France, was arrested on May 29, 2026, as part of their investigation.”The prosecutor’s office also said that “the investigation is related to crimes related to corruption, sports corruption, receiving stolen goods, and money laundering.”The actor was questioned in police custody before being released without arrest.Wahi’s representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Ivory Coast’s governing body said it had not been informed of any “criminal or administrative proceedings” involving the striker. The governing body added that it “gives full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him.”“Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Ivory Coast national team,” it added.Wahi joined Nice on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt in January and has been impressive, scoring nine goals in 18 games in all competitions and helping the club reach the French Cup final.After the French league campaign ended on May 17, he scored twice in Nice’s 4–1 win over Saint-Etienne in the second round of the playoffs, helping the club retain their place in the top flight.
