Ivorian forward Elye Wahi was detained and interviewed by French law enforcement just days before his departure for the World Cup, as investigators probe a potential match-fixing scandal in Ligue 1.

Elye Wahi underwent questioning by French police shortly before the start of the World Cup, where the prolific attacker is representing Côte d’Ivoire. Details emerged this Wednesday, June 17th, indicating that the forward, who played for OGC Nice this past season, was involved in an inquiry concerning a possible fixed match. The specific game under scrutiny by investigators dates back to the most recent French Ligue 1 championship season.

Sources close to the ongoing investigation, who requested anonymity, indicate that the probe began after the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) received multiple alerts regarding unusual betting patterns. These alerts specifically flagged wagers placed on Wahi receiving a yellow card during the Nice versus Metz fixture on May 17th, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

During that particular match, the striker was cautioned in the 35th minute following a late challenge on Metz defender Sadibou Sané. Interestingly, just two minutes earlier, he had committed a similar foul on full-back Bouna Sarr but escaped without a booking. This fifth yellow card of the season resulted in his suspension for the first leg of the relegation playoffs against Saint-Étienne, a match that also concluded in a goalless draw away from home.

Wahi rejoined the squad three days later for the return leg, regaining his starting position. He delivered a stellar performance, scoring two goals and being named man of the match in Nice’s crucial 4-1 victory, which ultimately secured their Ligue 1 survival. It was in the aftermath of this vital encounter, on May 29th, that he was apprehended by French police anti-corruption specialists.

When contacted for comment, the Marseille public prosecutor’s office confirmed the arrest through a statement: “We can verify that a 23-year-old footballer, active in Ligue 1, was arrested on May 29th as part of an investigation initiated by the Marseille prosecutor’s office into alleged organized fraud, organized sports corruption, concealment, and money laundering.”

While the prosecutor’s spokesperson refrained from naming the player, they clarified that “the footballer is not a member of the French national team participating in the World Cup.” Our reporting confirms the player in question is Elye Wahi, a former French youth international who opted to represent Côte d’Ivoire months prior to the 2026 World Cup.

The spokesperson further added that the legal proceedings have not advanced beyond this stage: “He was released after being interrogated in custody. The investigation remains ongoing.” Consequently, Elye Wahi is not currently facing prosecution and was free to travel for the World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Just last Sunday in Philadelphia, Elye Wahi took to the field with the Elephants against Ecuador for their opening match of the tournament. Starting the game, he demonstrated excellent link-up play with teammate Yan Diomande, who was named man of the match, and narrowly missed a goal by hitting the crossbar. His teammate Amad Diallo ultimately sealed a 1-0 victory for Côte d’Ivoire in the 90th minute.

FIFA, when asked for comment regarding their awareness of Wahi’s arrest prior to his first World Cup appearance, offered no response. They also declined to comment on any potential implications for his eligibility to play or travel. The striker is now expected to join his team in Toronto for their upcoming clash against Germany on Saturday, marking the second matchday of the World Cup group stage.