The Ivory Coast Football Federation has given the green light for Wahi to travel to Canada, even as a match-fixing probe continues to hang over the player. The federation's decision, announced without public explanation, allows Wahi to leave the country for North America while investigators look into allegations tied to past matches.
The match-fixing probe
The investigation, launched by authorities in Ivory Coast, centers on suspicious betting patterns and results from several club and international fixtures. Details of the probe remain sealed, but sources close to the federation confirmed that Wahi is one of several individuals under scrutiny. The federation has not disclosed whether Wahi is a suspect or a witness.
Match-fixing cases in African football have led to bans and travel restrictions in the past. The Confederation of African Football and FIFA both maintain strict anti-corruption units, but this is the first time an Ivory Coast player has been cleared to travel during an active probe.
Clearance conditions
The federation said in a brief statement that Wahi is authorized to travel to Canada for personal reasons. It did not specify a return date or whether the clearance is conditional on cooperation with investigators. Wahi's lawyer declined to comment on the travel plans.
Canada has no extradition treaty with Ivory Coast, but legal experts say that is unlikely to matter in a sports-corruption case. The federation's move suggests they see no immediate risk of Wahi fleeing or tampering with evidence.
What happens next
Investigators are expected to interview Wahi upon his return to Ivory Coast. The federation has set no deadline for the probe's conclusion. Until then, Wahi remains free to travel — but the cloud of suspicion stays.
