Ivory Coast national team player Elye Wahi was taken into custody by French authorities last month as part of an active investigation into allegations of organised fraud and sports corruption. The 23-year-old forward, who is currently preparing for the World Cup, was questioned regarding suspicious betting patterns linked to a Ligue 1 fixture where he received a yellow card.
The investigation was initiated after the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), France's domestic football governing body, flagged unusual betting activity concerning Wahi receiving a booking during Nice's goalless draw against Metz on 17 May. Wahi was shown a yellow card in the 35th minute of the match for a tackle on Metz player Sadibou Sane. This particular booking was his fifth of the season, which resulted in him being suspended for Nice's subsequent relegation play-off first leg.
A spokesperson for the Marseille public prosecutor's office confirmed that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was arrested on 29 May as part of an inquiry into allegations including organised fraud, organised sports corruption, handling of proceeds of crime, and money laundering. Following an interview in police custody, Wahi was released, and investigations remain ongoing. It was clarified that the player is not a member of the French national team participating in the World Cup.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Wahi has not been charged with any crime. He subsequently travelled to the United States to join the Ivory Coast squad for their World Cup campaign. Wahi, who recently switched his international allegiance from France to Ivory Coast in March, featured in their 1-0 victory against Ecuador, hitting the crossbar before being substituted.
The allegations cast a shadow over the start of Wahi's international career and the World Cup tournament itself. While the player maintains his innocence, the scrutiny from French authorities highlights the serious measures being taken to preserve the integrity of professional football against potential manipulation. The outcome of the ongoing investigation will be closely watched by football organisations and fans alike, given the potential implications for player conduct and betting oversight in the sport.