World Cup star arrested days before tournament amid fixing allegations, report says

By Ayobami Okerinde

The Ivory Coast international Elye Wahi, who is currently playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was taken into custody by French police on May 29, less than two weeks before the tournament began, as part of an investigation into alleged spot‑fixing, according to a report by The Athletic.

The 23‑year‑old striker is under scrutiny for allegedly seeking a yellow card while playing for French club Nice in a Ligue 1 match against Metz on May 17. French authorities are examining betting patterns that suggest wagers were placed on Wahi receiving a booking during that game. Spot‑fixing refers to the manipulation of a specific event within a match for betting purposes.

A spokesperson for the Marseille public prosecutor’s office told The Athletic on Tuesday: “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.”

The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), which governs French domestic football, confirmed the story on Wednesday. The LFP said it is investigating the matter but has not yet taken any disciplinary action.

The LFP statement read: “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 investigation, Wahi was named in Ivory Coast’s final squad for the World Cup. He played 55 minutes in the Elephants’ 1‑0 win over Ecuador on Monday.

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