A significant turnaround marks the preparation for the World Cup with the confirmation that Elye Wahi, the Ivory Coast’s main striker, will finally be able to travel to Canada. Previously prevented from entering the country, Wahi is now free to join the team and participate in the clash against Germany, scheduled for this Saturday. The player, who had already been detained and released on charges of possible match-fixing in the French League, faced administrative impediments to entering Canadian territory. The Ivorian Football Federation announced the change this Thursday afternoon.
In an official statement, the entity that governs Ivorian football detailed that Elye Wahi received authorization to accompany the Elephants delegation on its journey to Canada. With permission in hand, the athlete will have full participation in the competition, integrating with other teammates.
Elye Wahi, who currently plays for French club Nice, was detained in Marseille on May 29, shortly before his team was due to travel to the World Cup. He was the target of an investigation for alleged involvement in a match-fixing scheme in the French League. The 23-year-old striker, after being extensively interrogated, was released and, a week later, joined the Ivory Coast group for the World Cup.
The investigation into Wahi remains ongoing, focused on determining whether he deliberately forced a yellow card during a French League game against Metz on May 17. After the end of his participation in the competition and his return from the United States, the player may be summoned again by the French authorities to provide further clarification.
Thomas Partey, from Ghana, remains denied a visa in Canada
Elye Wahi’s case is not isolated; Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey also faced similar restrictions entering Canada, preventing him from participating in his country’s opening match against Panama in Toronto. This absence generated repercussions in diplomatic circles. The midfielder, who is awaiting trial in England on multiple rape charges, was allowed to travel and train in the United States, but his application for a visa to Canadian territory was rejected.
Partey faces five charges filed by two women, relating to crimes allegedly occurring between 2021 and 2022, a period in which he played for Arsenal, in England. Furthermore, last year, a third woman accused him of sexual assault, with the condition that he not have contact with the alleged victim.
The Canadian government’s denial of visas to both Partey and Wahi is based on the country’s strict admissibility laws. Canadian legislation gives authorities the right to veto the entry of foreigners who:
- Have a history of committed crimes;
- People who have been judicially convicted;
- Individuals who are under investigation or facing criminal charges, depending on the severity and context of each situation.
Ivorian Federation details positive outcome for Elye Wahi
In its most recent statement, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed the positive resolution of the administrative matter involving Elye Wahi. The entity reported that all essential authorizations for the player’s entry into Canadian territory were duly granted.
This way, the Ivory Coast athlete is free to join the Elephants delegation in Canada and fully participate in the competition alongside his colleagues. The FIF expressed great satisfaction with the outcome and extended its thanks to all parties involved who contributed to the resolution of the case.
