The Ivory Coast forward has become the latest player blocked from entering Canada during the tournament.
Striker Elye Wahi has been denied entry to Canada ahead of Ivory Coast’s next fixture, dealing a setback to his country’s campaign.
Canadian authorities reportedly refused Wahi entry on grounds that his presence could compromise the country’s immigration and security regulations. This comes due to ongoing investigations into alleged betting offenses in France.
Wahi is the second World Cup player to face entry issues in Canada during the tournament. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was also denied a visa after Canadian authorities reviewed information linked to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
Partey, who has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of rape and sexual assault, missed Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama. An appeal by the Ghanaian government to allow his temporary entry for the game was later rejected by a federal court in Ottawa.
Ivory Coast will now have to prepare for the next fixture without Wahi.