Ivory Coast striker under investigation over alleged spot-fixing

Ivory Coast international striker Elye Wahi is under investigation by French authorities over alleged spot-fixing, according to reports from France.

The 23-year-old forward, who is currently representing Ivory Coast at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was reportedly arrested by French police in May as part of an ongoing probe into suspicious betting activities.

The investigation centres on allegations that Wahi deliberately sought to receive a yellow card during a French Ligue 1 match between Nice and Metz on May 17.

Authorities are reportedly examining unusual betting patterns linked to wagers placed on the striker being booked during the encounter.

A spokesperson for the Marseille public prosecutor’s office confirmed that a Ligue 1 player had been questioned as part of an ongoing investigation.

“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.

“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 subsequently released after questioning, while investigators continue to examine the allegations.

The Ligue de Football Professionnel, the body responsible for professional football in France, also confirmed on Wednesday that it is monitoring developments.

In a statement, the organisation said: “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 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.”

Despite the ongoing investigation, Wahi was included in Ivory Coast’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The striker featured for 55 minutes in the Elephants’ 1-0 victory over Ecuador on Monday as the African side began its World Cup campaign on a positive note.

Spot-fixing differs from match-fixing in that it involves manipulating a specific event within a match for betting purposes rather than influencing the final result.

Investigations into the allegations remain ongoing, with no disciplinary action announced against the player at this stage.