By Francis Onyach - Reporter
France, June 17, 2026 - Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi has found himself at the center of a growing controversy after reports emerged that he 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 match-fixing.
According to reports first revealed by The Athletic and subsequently carried by several international media outlets, the 23-year-old striker is being investigated over suspicions that he deliberately received a yellow card while playing for French club Nice in a Ligue 1 match against Metz on May 17. The investigation is examining potential links between the booking and suspicious betting activity.
French authorities are also investigating broader allegations that include organized fraud, corruption in sport, handling criminal proceeds, and money laundering. Sources cited in the reports state that Wahi was arrested on May 29 following Nice's victory over Saint-Étienne, a match in which he scored twice. He was later released after questioning while the investigation continued. As of now, no formal charges have been announced publicly.
The timing of the revelations has attracted significant attention because Wahi is currently representing Ivory Coast at the FIFA World Cup. Despite the ongoing investigation, neither FIFA nor the Ivorian Football Federation has announced any disciplinary action against the player.
In fact, Wahi was included in Ivory Coast's final World Cup squad and started their opening Group E match against Ecuador. He was part of the starting lineup alongside Nicolas Pépé and teenager Yan Diomande. Ivory Coast went on to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory thanks to a 90th-minute winner from Amad Diallo. During the match, Wahi came close to scoring himself, striking the crossbar in the second half.
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Wahi only recently switched his international allegiance from France to Ivory Coast and was viewed as one of the emerging attacking talents expected to strengthen the African champions at the tournament. His inclusion in the squad was announced last month by coach Emerse Faé.
For now, the investigation remains active, and the presumption of innocence applies. While the allegations are serious, authorities have not announced any charges or convictions against Wahi. Until further developments emerge from French prosecutors or football governing bodies, the striker remains available for selection as Ivory Coast continue their World Cup campaign.