French Police Arrest Ivory Coast Striker Wahi Over Spot-Fixing Claims

French Police Arrest Ivory Coast Striker Wahi Over Spot-Fixing Claims
Authorities probing suspicious betting activity linked to yellow card.
Ivory Coast striker remains in World Cup squad despite probe.

Ivory Coast international striker Elye Wahi was arrested by French police less than two weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as part of an investigation into alleged spot-fixing offences.

The 23-year-old forward, who is currently representing Ivory Coast at the World Cup, is under investigation over claims that he deliberately sought to receive a yellow card while playing for Nice in a Ligue 1 match against Metz on May 17.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that French authorities are reportedly examining suspicious betting activity linked to wagers placed on Wahi being booked during the fixture.

Spot-fixing involves manipulating a specific event within a sporting contest, such as a booking, corner kick, penalty, or substitution, often for betting-related gains.

A spokesperson for the Marseille public prosecutor’s office confirmed to The Athletic on Tuesday that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was arrested on May 29 as part of a wider investigation.

The spokesperson said the probe concerns allegations of organised fraud, organised sports corruption, handling proceeds of crime, and money laundering.

“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 said.

“He was released after he was interviewed in police custody. The investigations remain ongoing. The football player is not a member of the French selection taking part in the World Cup.”

Wahi was later released after questioning, but investigations into the allegations remain ongoing.

Confirming the development on Wednesday, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), which oversees professional football in France, said it was aware of the matter and was monitoring the investigation.

The LFP stated that no disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against the player because of the ongoing police inquiry and confidentiality obligations surrounding the case.

“At this stage, and in view of the ongoing proceedings and the associated confidentiality requirements imposed on it by the police authorities, the LFP will not make any further comment and has not initiated any disciplinary proceedings. It reserves the right, however, to do so depending on how the investigations progress,” the statement read.

The body reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of football competitions in France.

“The LFP reiterates that it remains fully committed to safeguarding the integrity of its competitions and that it will take the strongest possible action against any behaviour likely to compromise it,” it added.