Soccer sensation taken into custody on match-rigging suspicions just prior to global championship – According to sources

Ivory Coast international Elye Wahi, currently competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was taken into custody by French authorities less than two weeks before the tournament commenced, as part of a probe into alleged spot-fixing offences.

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The 23-year-old striker is at the center of an investigation into claims that he intentionally sought to receive a yellow card during a Ligue 1 match between French club Nice and Metz on May 17.

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French authorities are scrutinizing suspicious betting patterns linked to wagers placed on Wahi receiving a booking during the match, a practice known as spot-fixing that involves manipulating a specific event within a game for betting purposes.

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A spokesperson for the Marseille public prosecutor’s office confirmed on Tuesday that a 23-year-old football player, competing in France’s Ligue 1, was arrested on May 29 as part of an investigation into allegations of organised fraud, organised sports corruption, handling of proceeds of crime and money laundering.

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Wahi was released after being interviewed in police custody, and the investigations remain ongoing, with the Marseille public prosecutor’s office noting that the football player is not a member of the French selection taking part in the World Cup.

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On Wednesday, the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the governing body that runs the domestic game in France, confirmed that it is investigating the matter, although no prosecution has been made yet.

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The LFP stated that it will not make any further comment at this stage due to the ongoing proceedings and associated confidentiality requirements, but reserves the right to initiate disciplinary proceedings depending on how the investigations progress.

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The LFP reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its competitions and pledged to take the strongest possible action against any behaviour likely to compromise it.

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Despite the ongoing investigation, Wahi was named in Ivory Coast’s final squad for the World Cup and played 55 minutes in the Elephants’ 1-0 win over Ecuador on Monday.