Elye Wahi Cleared To Travel For Ivory Coast’s World Cup Clash Against Germany

Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has been cleared to travel to Canada for the Elephants’ World Cup meeting with Germany, despite being at the centre of an investigation into alleged betting-related offences.

The Ivorian football federation confirmed the development on Friday after initially indicating that the 23-year-old would be unable to make the trip. In a revised statement, the federation said the necessary authorisations had now been obtained.

Wahi featured in the Ivory Coast’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Philadelphia on Monday and is expected to be available when the Elephants take on Germany in Toronto on Saturday.

The forward is currently under investigation in France over alleged spot-fixing activities linked to a Ligue 1 fixture.

French football authorities revealed on Wednesday that an “unusual amount of bets” had been placed internationally on Wahi receiving a yellow card during OGC Nice’s goalless draw against Metz on May 17.

According to the French league, betting-monitoring partners flagged suspicious activity surrounding the match after Wahi was booked. The matter was subsequently referred to police, gambling regulators and the French Football Federation.

The Marseille prosecutor’s office confirmed that “a 23-year-old professional football player, competing in France’s Ligue 1 championship, was arrested on May 29, 2026, as part of their investigation.”

The office added “The investigation concerns alleged offences of organised fraud, organised sports corruption, receiving stolen goods, and money laundering.”

Authorities said the player was questioned while in custody before being released without further detention.

The Ivorian football federation maintained that it had not been formally notified “of any judicial or administrative proceedings” involving the striker.

It added that it “offers its full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him.”

The federation also stressed: “Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Ivory Coast national team.”

Wahi joined OGC Nice on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt in January and enjoyed a productive spell, scoring nine goals in 18 appearances across all competitions while helping the club reach the French Cup final.