Ivory Coast Star Wahi Faces Police Investigation for Spot-Fixing

Ivory Coast striker, Elye Wahi, is playing for the Elephants at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He was arrested by French police in May over claims of spot-fixing, according to a report by The Athletic.

The 23-year-old forward is under investigation for allegedly trying to get a yellow card during a Ligue 1 match between Nice and Metz on May 17. Authorities are looking into unusual betting patterns linked to bets on Wahi receiving a yellow card in that match.

PUNCH Online explains that spot-fixing means changing a specific event in a game for betting reasons, not the overall result.

A spokesperson for the Marseille public prosecutor’s office confirmed this case. They 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 report noted that Wahi was released after questioning. Investigations into the claims are still ongoing.

On Wednesday, the Ligue de Football Professionnel, which manages professional football in France, said it is also looking into the situation. They mentioned that no disciplinary action has been taken yet.

In a statement, the LFP 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 named in Ivory Coast’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He played for 55 minutes in the Elephants’ 1-0 win over Ecuador on Monday.