Ivory Coast squares off against Germany in Toronto this Saturday, but Wahi has not been cleared to travel with the team and will stay in the United States until the squad returns.
This news comes as the 23-year-old forward is under investigation in France due to allegations of suspicious betting activities related to a Ligue 1 match involving his former team, Nice.
The French league indicated that an unusually high number of international bets were placed on Wahi receiving a yellow card during Nice’s goalless draw against Metz on May 17. Consequently, the case has been brought to the attention of police, gambling authorities, and the French Football Federation.
The Marseille prosecutor’s office reported that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was taken into custody and interrogated on May 29 in connection with an investigation into alleged organized fraud, sports corruption, possession of stolen goods, and money laundering. The player was later released while the investigation continues.
Wahi’s representatives have yet to publicly address the allegations.
The FIF stated that it hasn’t received any official notification regarding judicial or administrative actions involving the striker and reaffirmed its support for him.
“During this particularly sensitive time, the FIF extends its full support to the player and reiterates its confidence in him,” the federation mentioned. “Elye Wahi continues to be a significant member of the Ivory Coast national team.”
Wahi played a crucial role in Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win over Ecuador in their World Cup opener earlier this week.
The forward finished the latter part of the season on loan at Nice from German club Eintracht Frankfurt, netting nine goals in 18 appearances and assisting the club in reaching the French Cup final as well as securing its Ligue 1 status.
