![Hon. Festus Keyamo SAN arrives MMIA past 11:50 p.m. Feb 23 to lead oversight of Terminal 1 fire. Joined FAAN MD & team actively managing situation. Directed morning inspection Tuesday to guide restoration & confirm safety standards. Reaffirmed focus on passenger safety. Story: [link] #KeyamoMMIA #FireIncident #FAAN](https://fullcliphq.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mym-150x150.jpg "MMIA Fire: Keyamo Inspects Lagos Airport After Terminal 1 Blaze Disrupts Flights")
Ivorian striker Elye Wahi has received clearance to enter Canada and will rejoin the Ivory Coast national team for their crucial Group E match against Germany on Saturday at BMO Field.
The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed the development late on Thursday, June 18, 2026, stating that the player’s situation had “evolved favourably.” Wahi, who had been held back in the United States due to Canadian entry concerns, will now travel with the squad and be available for selection.
The 23-year-old had been the subject of heightened scrutiny following his involvement in a French police investigation into alleged match-fixing and betting irregularities. On May 29, French authorities questioned and briefly detained Wahi as part of a probe into organised fraud, sports corruption, and money laundering linked to unusual betting patterns during Nice’s final Ligue 1 match of the season. He was released without charges and has not faced any formal prosecution.
Canadian officials had initially withheld entry clearance pending additional verification. Once satisfied that Wahi faced no active legal constraints, approval was granted swiftly. The FIF expressed appreciation to all parties involved in resolving the matter.
Wahi’s situation differs significantly from that of Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied entry to Canada due to ongoing rape charges in the UK and subsequently missed his team’s opening match. Wahi has faced no charges and remains free of judicial restrictions.
The young forward, who switched international allegiance from France to Ivory Coast in March 2026, started in the Elephants’ 1-0 opening win over Ecuador and hit the crossbar during that game. His availability strengthens Coach Emerse Faé’s attacking options ahead of the high-stakes clash with Germany. Ivory Coast will conclude the group stage against Curaçao on June 25.
The challenge underscores the complex intersection of club-level investigations, international visa procedures, and national team participation during the expanded 2026 World Cup. It marks the second high-profile entry issue involving an African player for a Canadian venue in the tournament so far.
Wahi’s clearance provides a timely boost for Ivory Coast as they face one of the strongest teams in their group. His physical presence and goal threat could prove decisive as the Elephants aim to advance from Group E.