FIFA World Cup: Ivory Coast's Elye Wahi gets Canada entry despite spot-fixing probe
Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi has been cleared to travel to Canada after his authorisation came through. The late approval arrived amid a French betting investigation, though he has not been named a suspect.
Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi has been cleared to travel to Canada after receiving the necessary authorisation, the country's football federation (FIF) confirmed on Thursday. The development came just hours after the federation announced that the striker would miss the trip because his visa had not been approved in time.
A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) told Reuters that individuals who are otherwise ineligible to enter the country may, in exceptional cases, be granted a Temporary Resident Permit. The official, however, declined to comment on Wahi's case, citing privacy rules that prevent disclosure without the applicant's consent.
"The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) reports that Elye Wahi's administrative situation has evolved favorably. The necessary authorisations for his entry into Canadian territory have now been obtained," said a statement from the official X account of the Ivorian Football Federation.
The visa issue emerged against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation in France into suspected sports corruption. French authorities are examining unusual betting activity linked to a yellow card Wahi received during a Ligue 1 fixture while representing Nice last month.
Although the 23-year-old has been connected to the investigation, he has not been identified as a suspect. Wahi was also unavailable for immediate comment.
According to a spokesperson for the Marseille prosecutor's office, a 23-year-old Ligue 1 footballer was taken into police custody on May 29 as part of an investigation into allegations involving organised fraud, organised sports corruption, handling stolen goods and money laundering.
Despite the reports, the FIF reiterated its full support for Wahi and expressed confidence in the forward.
"To date, the FIF has not been officially notified of any legal or administrative proceedings concerning him," the FIF said in a statement.
"During this particularly difficult period, the FIF offers its full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Ivory Coast national team."
Earlier on Thursday, the federation had stated that Wahi would be unable to accompany the squad to Canada because of the unresolved travel documentation.
"This is because the administrative authorisations required for him to enter Canadian territory have not yet been obtained. Elye Wahi will therefore remain in the United States until the team returns," it said.
The former France Under-21 international made his senior debut for Ivory Coast in March.
Ivory Coast opened their Group E campaign with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador, while Germany head into the contest after a commanding 7-1 win against Curacao.
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Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi has been cleared to travel to Canada after receiving the necessary authorisation, the country's football federation (FIF) confirmed on Thursday. The development came just hours after the federation announced that the striker would miss the trip because his visa had not been approved in time.
A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) told Reuters that individuals who are otherwise ineligible to enter the country may, in exceptional cases, be granted a Temporary Resident Permit. The official, however, declined to comment on Wahi's case, citing privacy rules that prevent disclosure without the applicant's consent.
"The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) reports that Elye Wahi's administrative situation has evolved favorably. The necessary authorisations for his entry into Canadian territory have now been obtained," said a statement from the official X account of the Ivorian Football Federation.
The visa issue emerged against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation in France into suspected sports corruption. French authorities are examining unusual betting activity linked to a yellow card Wahi received during a Ligue 1 fixture while representing Nice last month.
Although the 23-year-old has been connected to the investigation, he has not been identified as a suspect. Wahi was also unavailable for immediate comment.
According to a spokesperson for the Marseille prosecutor's office, a 23-year-old Ligue 1 footballer was taken into police custody on May 29 as part of an investigation into allegations involving organised fraud, organised sports corruption, handling stolen goods and money laundering.
Despite the reports, the FIF reiterated its full support for Wahi and expressed confidence in the forward.
"To date, the FIF has not been officially notified of any legal or administrative proceedings concerning him," the FIF said in a statement.
"During this particularly difficult period, the FIF offers its full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Ivory Coast national team."
Earlier on Thursday, the federation had stated that Wahi would be unable to accompany the squad to Canada because of the unresolved travel documentation.
"This is because the administrative authorisations required for him to enter Canadian territory have not yet been obtained. Elye Wahi will therefore remain in the United States until the team returns," it said.
The former France Under-21 international made his senior debut for Ivory Coast in March.
Ivory Coast opened their Group E campaign with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador, while Germany head into the contest after a commanding 7-1 win against Curacao.
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
