IVORY COAST forward Elye Wahi has been denied a visa to enter Canada for the team’s second World Cup match against Germany on Saturday, the African country’s football federation has said.

It has been reported that the Nice player was arrested in France last month over allegations of spot-fixing.

Wahi started in the Elephants’ opening fixture in the US.

A statement from the Ivorian federation (FIF) said it had “taken note of the various articles and reports published…regarding Ivorian international Elye Wahi.”

The statement added: “To date, the FIF has not been officially notified of any legal or administrative proceedings concerning him.

“During this particularly sensitive time, the FIF extends its full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elye Wahi remains a key member of the Ivory Coast national team.

“The FIF also wishes to announce that the player will not be able to travel with the delegation to Canada.

“Indeed, the administrative authorisations required for his entry into Canada could not be obtained at this stage.

“Elye Wahi will therefore remain in the United States while awaiting the team’s return.”