Ivory Coast World Cup Player Elye Wahi Arrested on Suspicion of Match-Fixing

Elye Wahi, a 23-year-old forward for the Ivory Coast national team currently competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was arrested by French police on May 29 on suspicion of involvement in match-fixing, according to sources familiar with the investigation. The arrest occurred shortly after Wahi scored two goals in a decisive Ligue 1 match for his club, OGC Nice, which ensured the team's survival in the top division.

The investigation, led by the Marseille public prosecutor's office, focuses on allegations that Wahi deliberately earned a yellow card during Nice's match against Metz on May 17. Sources indicate that the probe was triggered after the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) received multiple alerts regarding suspicious betting patterns, specifically bets placed on Wahi to receive a booking. This form of manipulation, known as spot-fixing, involves fixing a specific event within a game rather than the overall outcome.

In the match against Metz, Wahi was booked in the 35th minute for a late tackle on defender Sadibou Sane, having already committed a foul two minutes earlier. The yellow card resulted in a suspension for Nice's subsequent relegation play-off first leg, though Wahi returned for the second leg and played a starring role in a 4-1 victory that kept Nice in Ligue 1. He was arrested immediately after that match.

The Marseille prosecutor's office confirmed the arrest, stating that Wahi was taken into custody as part of an investigation into organized fraud, organized sports corruption, handling of proceeds of crime, and money laundering. He was released after being questioned and remains under investigation, with no charges filed at this stage.

Despite the legal proceedings, Wahi traveled to the United States to join the Ivory Coast squad for the World Cup and started in their opening match against Ecuador on June 14, hitting the crossbar in a 1-0 victory in Philadelphia. The Ivory Coast is scheduled to face Germany in Toronto on June 20.

The LFP confirmed it was alerted to unusual betting volumes related to Wahi's booking but stated it has not initiated disciplinary proceedings due to ongoing investigations. The Athletic has reported that at least one other World Cup-bound player has been reported for suspected fixing offences, though details remain confidential.

Wahi, who was selected for the Ivory Coast World Cup squad on May 15, has not publicly commented on the allegations. FIFA and the Ivory Coast Football Federation have also declined to comment.