Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has been cleared to travel to Canada for his country's World Cup match against Germany despite being under investigation in France over alleged betting-related offences.
The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed that the 23-year-old has now received the necessary travel authorisation after initially stating that he would not be able to enter Canada. Wahi is expected to be available for Ivory Coast's second match of the tournament in Toronto on Saturday.
The investigation began after French football authorities detected what they described as an unusual volume of international bets placed on Wahi receiving a yellow card during Nice's Ligue 1 match against Metz on May 17. The match ended in a goalless draw, with Wahi receiving a booking during the game.
French football officials referred the matter to police, gambling regulators, and the French Football Federation for further investigation. Prosecutors later confirmed that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was questioned by police as part of an inquiry into alleged organized fraud, sports corruption, receiving stolen goods, and money laundering.
The player was reportedly released after questioning and has not been detained. Wahi's representatives have not publicly commented on the allegations.
The Ivorian Football Federation stated that it has not received any official notification regarding legal or administrative proceedings against the striker. The federation also expressed its support for the player, describing him as an important member of the national team.
Wahi featured in Ivory Coast's 1-0 victory over Ecuador earlier in the tournament and is expected to play a key role against Germany.
The striker joined Nice on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt in January and enjoyed a strong second half of the season, scoring nine goals in 18 appearances across all competitions. He also played a major role in helping the club avoid relegation, scoring twice in a crucial playoff victory over Saint-Etienne.
While the investigation remains ongoing, Wahi remains eligible to play and is expected to continue representing Ivory Coast as authorities examine the allegations.
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