World Cup star was arrested just under two weeks before the team’s first game.
A player taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup was reportedly arrested on suspicion of match-fixing less than two weeks before the tournament began.
Ivory Coast’s forward Elye Wahi, who started the team’s 1-0 win over Ecuador on June 15, was said to have been arrested shortly before the World Cup, according to The Athletic. The arrest is connected to an incident when Wahi, playing on loan for Nice during the 2025/26 season, allegedly got a yellow card on purpose in a match against Metz.
Sources told The Athletic that the investigation is still going on, but Wahi is allowed to play in the World Cup. The 23-year-old was arrested by French police on May 29, right after scoring two goals against Saint-Étienne, helping Nice stay in Ligue 1.
He later traveled to the United States for the World Cup without any problems, as he hasn’t been officially charged. Marseille’s public prosecutor said a 23-year-old player was arrested as part of an investigation into organized fraud, sports corruption, and related crimes but was released after police questioning. They confirmed the player is not part of France’s World Cup team.
The case reportedly started after the Ligue de Football Professionnel noticed unusual betting on Nice’s game against Metz, including bets on Wahi getting a yellow card. He did receive a yellow card in the 35th minute after a foul in the 33rd.
It’s still unclear if this issue will affect Wahi’s entry into Canada before Ivory Coast’s match against Germany on June 20. Meanwhile, Ghana’s midfielder Thomas Partey was already stopped from entering Canada. Partey, who plays for Villarreal and used to be at Arsenal, will face trial next year after pleading not guilty to serious charges.
Wahi has a history playing for France’s youth teams, including the 2024 Paris Olympics, but now represents Ivory Coast at the senior level.