Ivory Coast World Cup star Wahi investigated by French police for alleged spot-fixing

Ivory Coast international striker Elye Wahi, currently participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is reportedly under investigation by French police for alleged spot-fixing activities. According to The Athletic, the 23-year-old forward was arrested in May as part of an inquiry into claims that he intentionally sought to receive a yellow card during a French Ligue 1 match between Nice and Metz on May 17. Authorities are examining suspicious betting patterns linked to wagers placed on Wahi being booked during that specific encounter.

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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.

Spot-fixing involves manipulating a particular event within a sporting contest for betting purposes, rather than influencing the final outcome of the match. A spokesperson for the Marseille public prosecutor's office confirmed to The Athletic that a 23-year-old player was arrested on May 29. The investigation, opened by the Marseille public prosecutor's office, concerns allegations of organized fraud, organized sports corruption, handling proceeds of crime, and money laundering. The player was released after being interviewed in police custody, and the investigations are ongoing. The prosecutor's office clarified that the player is not part of the French national team competing in the World Cup.

The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), which oversees professional football in France, has also confirmed it is looking into the matter. However, the LFP stated that no disciplinary action has been taken at this stage, citing ongoing proceedings and confidentiality requirements imposed by police authorities. The league reserves the right to take action depending on the progress of the investigations and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its competitions, vowing to take strong action against any behavior that compromises it.

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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.

Despite the ongoing investigation and arrest, Wahi was included in Ivory Coast's final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He played for 55 minutes in their recent 1-0 victory over Ecuador. The report indicates that Wahi denied committing the offense when initially questioned by investigators.

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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.