Ivory Coast reverses decision, and betting investigation is released

Ivorian striker Elye Wahi received travel authorization to visit Canada for the World Cup match against Germany this weekend. The information was revealed by the country's football federation this Thursday (18), a few hours after declaring that he could not travel because he had not received his visa.

"The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF, in French) informs that Elye Wahi's administrative situation has evolved favorably. The necessary authorizations for his entry into Canadian territory have already been obtained," said the statement published on social media.

Canadian immigration authorities did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment from Reuters.

Wahi was linked to an investigation into suspected sports corruption. French authorities said unusual betting patterns were detected surrounding a yellow card Wahi received in a Ligue 1 match while playing for Nice last month.

Wahi, who was not immediately available for comment, was not named as a suspect.

A spokesperson for the Marseille Public Prosecutor's Office told Reuters that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was detained on May 29 as part of an investigation into suspected organized fraud, organized sports corruption, receiving stolen goods and money laundering.

"To date, the FIF has not been officially notified of any judicial or administrative proceedings involving the player. During this particularly difficult period, the FIF offers its full support to the athlete and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elye Wahi continues to be an important member of the Ivory Coast national team" stated the entity.

Wahi, who previously represented France at under-21 level, made his debut for the Ivory Coast senior team in March. The country beat Ecuador 1-0 in their first World Cup Group E match, while Germany is coming off a 7-1 thrashing of Curaçao.

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Source: CNN