Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi has been granted a visa to enter Canada for the team’s second World Cup match against Germany on Saturday, the African country’s football federation has confirmed.
It had been reported that the Nice player was arrested in France last month over allegations of spot-fixing, which resulted in him being denied entry by the tournament co-hosts.
Wahi started in the Elephants’ win over Ecuador in their opening fixture in the United States, and will now be eligible for selection for their second Group E game.
“The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announces a positive development regarding Elye Wahi’s administrative status. The necessary authorizations for his entry into Canada have now been secured,” a statement from the FIF read.
“Consequently, the Ivorian international is permitted to travel to Canada with the Elephants’ delegation and will continue his participation in the competition alongside his team-mates as planned.
“The FIF welcomes this favourable outcome and thanks the various parties who contributed to resolving this matter.”
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Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a general statement in response to questions about Wahi, but stressed details about any individual situation could not be provided without signed consent from those involved.
“Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws,” the IRCC said.
“Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies, while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians as a top priority.
“In exceptional circumstances, Temporary Resident Permits may be granted to a person who is inadmissible or does not meet the requirements to enter or remain temporarily in Canada.”
