Ivory Coast’s Eli Wahi Excluded from World Cup Match Against Germany Due to Betting Scandal

The Ivory Coast national team has suffered a significant setback ahead of their upcoming match against Germany in the second round of the group stage at the 2026 World Cup. Forward Eli Wahi will miss the game due to developments related to an ongoing betting investigation in France.

The match is scheduled for June 20, as part of Group E, during this year’s tournament taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed that Wahi would not be able to travel with the team to Canada for the match, as he was unable to obtain the necessary travel clearance, resulting in his exclusion from this crucial fixture against Germany.

This issue stems from investigations initiated by French authorities concerning suspicions of match-fixing. The French league has indicated that there were red flags raised after Wahi received a yellow card during a match between Nice and Metz on May 17, which ended in a goalless draw.

The league stated that the case has been referred to relevant security agencies and betting regulatory bodies, along with the French Football Federation, for further investigation and necessary actions.

According to media reports citing the Marseille public prosecutor’s office, the 23-year-old player was interrogated after being detained on May 29 as part of an ongoing extensive inquiry.

Reports also suggest that the investigation includes alleged charges related to organized fraud, sports corruption, money laundering, and other violations currently under examination by relevant authorities.

Despite these developments, the Ivorian Football Federation has expressed its full support for Wahi during this period, affirming confidence in him and considering him an important asset to the national team.

The young striker played a key role in Ivory Coast’s opening match of the tournament against Ecuador, contributing to a valuable victory with a goal that secured a 1-0 win before this crisis sidelined him from facing Germany.