The striker featured for 56 minutes in Ivory Coast's opening 1-0 victory over Ecuador on Monday. The Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) announced Thursday that Wahi would remain in the United States while his teammates travel to Canada for Saturday's fixture. The federation stated that "the necessary administrative authorisations for his entry into Canadian territory could not be obtained at this stage."
Wahi is under investigation by French authorities for alleged betting fraud related to a Ligue 1 match. The French football league reported an "unusual amount of bets" placed internationally on him receiving a yellow card during Nice's 0-0 home match against Metz on May 17. He was arrested on May 29 and questioned in police custody before being released without detention. The Marseille prosecutor's office is investigating alleged offences of organised fraud, organised sports corruption, receiving stolen goods, and money laundering.
The Ivory Coast Football Federation stated it had not been officially notified of any judicial or administrative proceedings against the player. "During this particularly delicate period, the FIF offers its full support to the player," the federation said.
Wahi's exclusion removes Ivory Coast's starting forward from their Group match against Germany on Saturday, significantly weakening their attacking options against one of the tournament's top sides. His absence due to visa denial rather than injury or suspension adds an unusual element to World Cup squad management, and may influence expectations in player-centric betting markets focusing on individual performances or team attack statistics.
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