Days before joining Côte d’Ivoire’s World Cup squad, striker Elye Wahi was detained by French authorities and questioned over suspicions of match manipulation in Ligue 1.

The suspicious booking that sparked an investigation

During a Ligue 1 match against Metz on May 17, Wahi received a late tackle caution at the 35th minute—just two minutes after committing a similar foul on Bouna Sarr without being penalized. This fifth yellow card of the season earned him a suspension for Nice’s relegation playoff first leg, which ended 0-0 away. Yet, three days later, he returned for the crucial second leg, delivering a standout performance with two goals and being named man of the match in a 4-1 victory that secured Nice’s top-flight status.

It was only after this high-stakes game on May 29 that French anti-corruption police took action, detaining the 23-year-old forward.

Legal proceedings and Wahi’s World Cup participation

The Marseille prosecutor’s office confirmed the arrest in a statement, revealing that the investigation involves charges of organized fraud, sports corruption, concealment, and money laundering. Though the player’s identity was not disclosed, it was later identified as Wahi—a former French youth international who switched allegiance to Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Authorities confirmed he was released after questioning and has not been charged, enabling him to travel freely to the tournament.

World Cup debut amid ongoing scrutiny

Wahi made his tournament debut in Philadelphia on June 14, starting for Côte d’Ivoire against Ecuador. He played a key role in the 1-0 victory, combining effectively with teammate Yan Diomande—named man of the match—and nearly scoring when his effort hit the crossbar. Now, he prepares to face Germany in Toronto as the Elephants aim for another positive result.

As of now, FIFA has not commented on whether the ongoing investigation could affect Wahi’s eligibility to participate or travel. His focus remains on helping Côte d’Ivoire advance in the competition.