Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has found himself at the centre of a match-fixing investigation after reports emerged that he was arrested by French authorities less than two weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 23-year-old forward, who is currently part of Ivory Coast’s World Cup squad, is being investigated over allegations linked to suspicious betting patterns during a Ligue 1 match involving Nice and Metz on May 17.
According to reports, investigators are examining whether Wahi intentionally received a yellow card during the fixture as part of a potential spot-fixing operation.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Wahi travelled to the United States and featured in Ivory Coast’s opening World Cup victory against Ecuador.
French authorities investigating suspicious betting activity
French prosecutors have confirmed that a Ligue 1 footballer was arrested on May 29 as part of a wider investigation into organised fraud, sports corruption, handling criminal proceeds and money laundering.
While officials did not initially reveal the player’s identity, multiple reports have identified the individual as Elye Wahi.
News 18 noted that the authorities said he was later released after being questioned and that investigations remain ongoing.
The case reportedly began after France’s professional football governing body, Ligue de Football Professionnel, received alerts about unusual betting activity surrounding a specific event during the Nice-Metz match.
The bets allegedly focused on Wahi receiving a yellow card rather than on the outcome of the game itself.
What is spot-fixing?
Unlike traditional match-fixing, spot-fixing involves manipulating a specific incident during a game instead of influencing the final result.
Examples include deliberately receiving a yellow card, conceding a corner kick or committing a foul at a predetermined moment.
These actions are often harder to detect because they do not necessarily alter the overall outcome of a match.
Investigators are now trying to determine whether Wahi’s booking was part of such an arrangement.
The allegations have added another controversy to the World Cup narrative, particularly as betting-related integrity issues continue to concern football authorities worldwide.
Also Read | A thrilling ending: Arnautovic’s penalty seals victory for Austria in their opening match
Wahi continues World Cup campaign amid probe
Despite the off-field controversy, Wahi remains available for Ivory Coast at the tournament.
News 18 noted that he started in the team’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Philadelphia and nearly found the back of the net when he struck the crossbar in the second half.
The Ivory Coast are scheduled to face Germany in their next Group G fixture in Toronto.
So far, neither FIFA nor the Ivory Coast Football Federation has announced any disciplinary action against the player.
The investigation, however, is likely to remain under intense scrutiny as the World Cup progresses.
If proven, the allegations could carry serious consequences not only for Wahi but also for broader efforts to combat corruption and illegal betting in professional football.
