Administrative Setback Sidelines Elye Wahi From Key Group Stage Encounter with Germany in Toronto

The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has confirmed that striker Elye Wahi will miss Ivory Coast's upcoming second World Cup group fixture against Germany after being denied an entry visa by Canadian immigration authorities. The crucial tournament clash is scheduled to take place on Saturday in Toronto.

In an official press release issued on Thursday, the FIF disclosed that the necessary administrative authorizations required for the forward to cross into Canadian territory could not be secured at this particular stage of the tournament.

As a result of the immigration barrier, the 23-year-old Marseille striker, who is currently playing on loan at French Ligue 1 side Nice—will be unable to travel across the border with the rest of the Elephants' squad. Instead, Wahi will remain at the team's operational camp in the United States, waiting for his teammates to return following the conclusion of the match.

The unexpected development comes amid ongoing reports from European legal authorities regarding an active investigation into alleged organized fraud and sports corruption involving a Ligue 1 professional player. Despite the sensitive nature of the situation, the Ivorian Football Federation stressed that it has not received any formal judicial notifications regarding the player, offering its complete solidarity and reaffirming that Wahi remains an integral part of the national team framework.

Wahi’s forced absence serves as a major tactical blow for manager Emerse Faé, especially after the forward started and played 56 minutes in Ivory Coast's opening 1-0 tournament victory over Ecuador in Philadelphia on Monday. He joins Ghana's midfield anchor, Thomas Partey, as the second high-profile African star barred from entering Canada during this World Cup cycle due to rigid border controls.