Sanctions continue: Canada denies entry to Ivory Coast striker

Ivory Coast forward E. Wahi has been denied entry into Canada for the ongoing World Cup, reportedly due to allegations of match-fixing. The 23-year-old player, who started in Ivory Coast's 1-0 victory over Ecuador, will miss the team's upcoming match against Germany in Toronto on Saturday. Reports suggest the ban is connected to accusations that Wahi intentionally received a yellow card during a Ligue 1 match last month, a move potentially linked to betting or match manipulation. However, no official charges have been formally laid against him.

The Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) stated it had not been informed of any legal or administrative proceedings against Wahi but confirmed he did not receive permission to enter Canada. The player is expected to remain in the United States, and the FIF is monitoring the situation. French football league officials declined to comment on the matter, citing confidentiality.

Wahi's situation marks the second instance of a player being barred from entering Canada for the tournament. Ghana's midfielder Thomas Partey also faced a similar entry restriction, preventing him from participating in his team's opening match against Panama.