Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi’s visa denial for Canada highlights a spot-fixing scandal that could derail his World Cup debut. The Ivorian federation confirmed Wahi cannot join the team for Saturday’s match against Germany in Toronto due to unresolved administrative issues tied to betting irregularities in a May Ligue 1 game. Wahi, who scored in Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win over Ecuador, was reportedly involved in an investigation after an unusual surge in bets predicting his yellow card during Nice’s 0-0 draw with Metz. The French league passed details to authorities, leading to Wahi’s arrest on May 29—a charge he denies. Despite his release, no official charges have been filed, and the Ivory Coast federation insists it has not received judicial updates.

The saga began when betting partners flagged suspicious activity around Wahi’s performance in May. Investigators linked the bets to his yellow card in Nice’s playoff match, where he scored twice to secure promotion. French authorities described the case as involving organized sports corruption and money laundering. Wahi’s representatives have not commented, but his club, Nice, framed his recent form as critical to their survival. The 23-year-old’s absence raises questions about Ivory Coast’s attacking depth, as he was a key scorer in their opening game.

While Wahi maintains innocence, the Ligue 1 probe underscores growing scrutiny of athlete integrity. The federation’s support for him contrasts with the seriousness of the allegations. If cleared, Wahi could return to the squad, but his legal battles may persist. For Ivory Coast, replacing Wahi—a player with nine goals in 18 games this season—poses a tactical challenge. Germany’s visit to Toronto adds pressure, as a win could solidify their World Cup positioning. The situation remains fluid, but the spot-fixing narrative has already cast a shadow over Wahi’s career and his team’s prospects.