World Cup 2026: Cote d'Ivoire star Elye Wahi investigated over alleged spot-fixing as arrest details emerge

Cote d'Ivoire striker Elye Wahi is at the centre of a corruption investigation after reports emerged that he was arrested by French authorities less than two weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to an investigation by The Athletic, the 23-year-old forward was detained by French police on May 29 as part of an ongoing probe into alleged spot-fixing offences linked to a Ligue 1 match involving his club side Nice.

The investigation is seeking to determine whether Wahi deliberately received a yellow card during Nice's league fixture against Metz on May 17.

Reports indicate that suspicious betting activity involving wagers on the striker to be booked attracted the attention of French football authorities, with bets worth several thousand euros reportedly placed across multiple countries.

The Marseille public prosecutor's office confirmed that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 footballer was arrested in connection with allegations of organised fraud, organised sports corruption, handling criminal proceeds and money laundering.

However, the player was later released after questioning and has not been charged with any offence.

French authorities stressed that investigations remain ongoing.

Despite the probe, Wahi travelled to North America with the Ivory Coast squad and started Sunday's World Cup Group E opener against Ecuador in Philadelphia.

The striker impressed during the match, striking the crossbar before being substituted in the second half as the Elephants secured a dramatic 1-0 victory thanks to a late goal from Amad Diallo.

The alleged incident relates to Nice's clash with Metz, where Wahi received a yellow card in the 35th minute after a late challenge on defender Sadibou Sane.

The booking resulted in the striker reaching the suspension threshold, forcing him to miss the first leg of Nice's relegation play-off against Saint-Etienne.

He returned for the second leg three days later and delivered a match-winning performance, scoring twice in a 4-1 victory that preserved Nice's Ligue 1 status.

Wahi was named Man of the Match before being arrested later that day by anti-corruption investigators.

The former France youth international switched allegiance to Cote d'Ivoire earlier this year and was included in the country's World Cup squad in May.

Neither FIFA nor the Cote d'Ivoire Football Federation has publicly commented on the investigation. It remains unclear whether the ongoing case will have any impact on Wahi's participation in the tournament.

Cote d'Ivoire are scheduled to face Germany in Toronto on Saturday as they continue their World Cup campaign, with Wahi expected to remain available for selection unless further action is taken by authorities.