Ivory Coast have suffered a significant setback ahead of their FIFA World Cup Group E showdown against Germany after striker Elye Wahi was denied a visa to enter Canada.
The decision stems from an ongoing investigation into alleged match-fixing, with Canadian immigration authorities reportedly refusing the forward entry under the country’s immigration regulations. Although Wahi has not been convicted of any offence, the pending investigation is understood to have triggered provisions that prevented him from travelling with the Ivorian squad.
The absence of the talented forward is a major blow for the Elephants as they prepare for one of their toughest fixtures of the tournament. Wahi had been expected to play a key role in Ivory Coast’s attacking setup against a Germany side looking to strengthen its position in Group E.
The Ivorian Football Federation has yet to issue an official statement on the development, while it remains unclear whether the player will be available for the remainder of the tournament.
Ivory Coast now face the challenge of taking on Germany without one of their leading attacking options in a match that could prove decisive in the race for qualification to the knockout stages.
