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Wahi cleared for Canada after spot‑fixing probe

BBC Sport Football •
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Ivory Coast's forward Elye Wahi cleared to travel to Canada after a brief visa hold linked to a spot‑fixing probe. The 23‑year‑old, who netted in the 2‑1 win over Ecuador, faced a potential ban after a yellow card against Metz drew betting spikes. Canadian officials finally approved his entry for the World Cup match today.

The incident followed an arrest in Marseille last month, where prosecutors investigated alleged organised fraud and sports corruption. Ligue de Football confirmed a surge in bets on Wahi, but the French league has yet to sanction him. Ivory Coast’s federation said it had no knowledge of any legal action before securing his Canadian clearance today.

Wahi's suspension for Nice’s relegation play‑off meant he missed the first leg but returned to score twice in the second, helping the club stay in Ligue 1. His return to the Ivory Coast squad keeps the Elephants on track for a Group E clash with Germany and a subsequent match against Curaçao in Toronto tomorrow.

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Agency upheld that sporting events do not alter immigration rules. The Elephants now head to Toronto for the Germany game, while Wahi’s case highlights the scrutiny players face when legal matters intersect with international duty. The French league may still act once investigations conclude in the next weeks ahead of the match.