Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi is at the centre of a growing controversy after reports emerged that he was arrested by French police days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup over alleged spot-fixing offences.
According to a report by The Athletic, the 23-year-old striker was detained on May 29 as part of an investigation into suspicious betting activity linked to a Ligue 1 match between Nice and Metz.
French authorities are reportedly examining claims that Wahi deliberately attempted to receive a yellow card during the game, an act known as spot-fixing, where a specific event in a match is manipulated for betting purposes.
A spokesperson for the Marseille public prosecutor’s office confirmed that a Ligue 1 player was arrested and questioned as part of an ongoing investigation involving allegations of organised fraud, sports corruption, money laundering and handling proceeds of crime.
“He was released after he was interviewed in police custody. The investigations remain ongoing,” the prosecutor’s office said.
Despite the investigation, Wahi has not been charged with any offence and remains eligible to play.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), which oversees professional football in France, also confirmed it is monitoring the situation but has not opened disciplinary proceedings at this stage.
“The LFP remains fully committed to safeguarding the integrity of its competitions,” the league body stated.
The controversy comes as Wahi represents Ivory Coast at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
The striker featured in the Elephants’ 1-0 victory over Ecuador on Monday, playing 55 minutes in the match.
With investigations still ongoing, attention will remain on the young forward as both football authorities and law enforcement continue their inquiries.
Source: The Athletic / Marseille Public Prosecutor’s Office / Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP).
