Ivory Coast’s forward Elye Wahi, who is facing an investigation for suspected betting-related activities, has been granted permission to travel to Canada for his country’s upcoming World Cup game against Germany, as announced by the Ivorian soccer federation on Thursday. Initially, it was stated that Wahi would not be able to make the trip to Canada, but a subsequent statement clarified that the necessary approvals had been secured.
Wahi played a key role in Ivory Coast’s recent 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Philadelphia, and he is expected to feature in the match against Germany in Toronto on Saturday. The situation surrounding Wahi’s involvement in alleged betting activities during a match for Nice in the French league has raised concerns. The French league reported an unusual surge in bets internationally on Wahi receiving a yellow card during a game on May 17 against Metz, which ended in a goalless draw with Wahi being cautioned.
Following this, the French league informed relevant authorities about the suspicious betting patterns observed. The Marseille prosecutor’s office confirmed the arrest of a 23-year-old professional footballer, believed to be Wahi, on charges related to organized fraud, sports corruption, possession of stolen goods, and money laundering. Wahi was questioned by the police but was subsequently released without being held in custody.
Despite these developments, Wahi’s representatives have yet to provide any comments on the matter. The Ivorian soccer federation declared that it has not officially been informed of any legal actions involving Wahi and expressed its unwavering support for the player. They emphasized Wahi’s continued importance to the national team and his contributions to the sport, particularly during his loan spell at Nice from Eintracht Frankfurt, where he excelled by scoring nine goals in 18 appearances across various competitions.
Wahi’s standout performances helped Nice secure a spot in the French Cup final, following the conclusion of the French league season on May 17. Shortly after, he played a pivotal role in ensuring Nice’s top-division status by scoring twice in a crucial 4-1 victory over Saint-Etienne in the promotion-relegation playoffs. The developments surrounding Wahi’s betting-related investigation continue to unfold, with the player’s participation in the World Cup match against Germany awaiting further updates.