Elye Wahi questioned by french police ahead of world cup amid match fixing suspicions

Days before boarding the plane to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ivorian striker Elye Wahi found himself at the center of a police investigation in France. The athlete, who had been representing OGC Nice in Ligue 1, was questioned by French anti-corruption officers following suspicions of match manipulation in a league game against Metz.

What triggered the investigation?

The inquiry stems from suspicious betting patterns reported to France’s Professional Football League. Analysts flagged unusual activity surrounding a specific outcome in the May 17 match between Nice and Metz: a yellow card received by Wahi in the 35th minute. This caution marked his fifth booking of the season, triggering a suspension for the first leg of the relegation playoffs.

What raised eyebrows was not just the timing of the card but the inconsistency in refereeing decisions. Two minutes earlier, Wahi had committed a similar tackle on Bouna Sarr of Nice without being penalized. The disparity in officiating contributed to growing concerns about potential match-fixing.

From questioning to World Cup participation

The investigation took a formal turn on May 29, when Elye Wahi was taken in for questioning by French police. According to a statement from the Marseille Public Prosecutor’s Office, the arrest was made in connection with an ongoing probe into allegations of organized fraud, sports corruption, money laundering, and potential complicity in match manipulation.

The Marseille prosecutor confirmed that the player in question was not part of the French national team squad. Subsequent reports identified the athlete as Elye Wahi, a former French youth international who had switched allegiance to the Ivory Coast in the lead-up to the tournament.

Following his release after questioning, Wahi was allowed to proceed to North America for the World Cup. He made his debut for the Elephants on June 16 in Philadelphia, starting the match against Ecuador and nearly scoring via a header that struck the crossbar. His teammate Amad Diallo sealed the 1-0 victory in stoppage time, marking a strong start to Ivory Coast’s campaign.

What’s next for Wahi and the investigation?

As of now, Elye Wahi has not been formally charged. The Marseille prosecutor’s office stated that the investigation is ongoing and that no further legal action has been taken against the player at this stage. He remains eligible to play and travel as part of the Ivory Coast squad.

The FIFA, which governs the World Cup, has not publicly addressed whether it was aware of the police questioning or whether it could impact Wahi’s participation. The Ivorian striker is scheduled to face Germany in Toronto on June 20 as part of the group stage.

While the cloud of suspicion lingers, Wahi continues his World Cup journey on the field. His performance, especially his combination play with forward Yan Diomande, has kept the focus on his contributions to the team rather than the off-field controversies.