Paris: Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi, currently representing his country at the FIFA World Cup 2026, is under investigation by French authorities over alleged sports corruption and match-fixing offences linked to a Ligue 1 match played shortly before the tournament.
According to a report by The Athletic, the 23-year-old forward was arrested by French police on May 29 as part of an ongoing probe into suspicious betting activity surrounding a yellow card he received while playing for OGC Nice.
Despite the investigation, Wahi has not been charged with any offence and has continued his World Cup campaign with Ivory Coast.
Arrest Linked To Suspicious Betting Alerts
The investigation reportedly centres on a Ligue 1 match between OGC Nice and FC Metz on May 17.
Authorities are examining whether Wahi deliberately received a yellow card during the fixture after betting-monitoring systems flagged unusual wagering activity linked to the booking.
According to reports, betting alerts were sent to the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), France’s professional football governing body, after suspicious betting patterns emerged around Wahi being cautioned during the match.
The striker was booked in the 35th minute for a late challenge on Metz defender Sadibou Sane.
Investigators are now seeking to determine whether the yellow card was intentionally engineered as part of a wider betting-related scheme.
French Prosecutors Confirm Investigation
A spokesperson for the Marseille Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that a professional footballer had been arrested as part of a criminal investigation involving multiple serious allegations.
“We can confirm that a 23-year-old football player, competing in France’s Ligue 1, was arrested on May 29 as part of an investigation opened by the Marseille public prosecutor’s office into allegations of organised fraud, organised sports corruption, handling of proceeds of crime and money laundering,” the spokesperson told The Athletic.
The prosecutor’s office added that the player was released after being questioned in police custody.
“The investigations remain ongoing. The football player is not a member of the French selection taking part in the World Cup.”
Authorities have not publicly named Wahi in official statements, but multiple reports have identified him as the player involved.
No Charges Filed So Far
Although Wahi was detained and questioned by anti-corruption investigators, he has not been formally charged.
Sources familiar with the case indicated that authorities are continuing to examine evidence, including betting activity and match-related circumstances, before deciding whether any criminal charges are warranted.
At present, the investigation remains active, and no conclusions have been reached regarding the player’s involvement.
Played Key Role Before Arrest
Ironically, the yellow card that triggered scrutiny resulted in Wahi missing a crucial playoff match against Saint-Étienne because of accumulated bookings.
However, he returned for the second leg and produced one of his best performances of the season, scoring twice and earning the Man of the Match award as Nice secured their Ligue 1 status.
According to reports, Wahi was arrested shortly after that impressive display.
Continues World Cup Campaign With Ivory Coast
Despite the ongoing investigation, Wahi travelled to the United States with the Ivory Coast national team for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
He started in Ivory Coast’s opening Group E match against Ecuador in Philadelphia, helping his side secure a 1-0 victory.
The striker played 55 minutes and came close to scoring when he struck the crossbar before being substituted.
Ivory Coast are scheduled to face Germany in their second group-stage match in Toronto on Saturday.
As of now, there has been no indication from FIFA or the Ivory Coast Football Federation that Wahi’s participation in the tournament is under threat.
International Switch To Ivory Coast
Earlier this year, Wahi made the decision to switch his international allegiance from France to Ivory Coast.
Having represented France at various youth levels, the forward opted to play for the country of his family heritage and was subsequently included in Ivory Coast’s World Cup squad.
The tournament marks his first major international competition with the African nation.
Career Journey Across Europe
Wahi has been regarded as one of French football’s most promising young forwards over the past few seasons.
His club career has included spells with Montpellier, Lens, Marseille, Eintracht Frankfurt and OGC Nice.
During his loan stint with Nice, he scored five goals in 14 Ligue 1 appearances and played a significant role in helping the club retain its top-flight status.
Known for his pace, movement and finishing ability, Wahi has attracted attention from several clubs across Europe during his career.
Investigation Continues
French authorities are expected to continue examining betting records, communication data and match-related evidence as part of their probe.
For now, Wahi remains free, has not been charged, and continues to feature for Ivory Coast at the FIFA World Cup.
The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for both the player and French football if allegations of organised sports corruption are ultimately substantiated.