Key Takeaways:
- Elye Wahi was arrested in France two weeks ago as part of a match-fixing investigation involving a Ligue 1 fixture on 17th May
- Despite being questioned by authorities, Wahi has not been charged and participated in Ivory Coast’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their World Cup opener
- Wahi is not permitted to enter Canada and will miss Saturday’s match against Germany in Toronto, remaining in the United States
Match-Fixing Probe Overshadows Ivorian Striker
According to The Athletic, Ivory Coast international Elye Wahi, aged 23, was detained in France two weeks ago as part of an investigation into alleged match-fixing. The inquiry focuses on an incident during OGC Nice’s clash with FC Metz on 17th May, when Wahi is accused of intentionally collecting a yellow card. This booking resulted in Wahi missing the first leg of the Ligue 1 promotion and relegation play-off against AS Saint-Étienne.
Multiple bets placed specifically on Wahi being cautioned during that fixture raised suspicions, prompting reports to the French Football Federation (FFF). This led to his questioning by anti-corruption authorities. Although Wahi has not been formally charged, the investigation remains open.
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La FIF apporte des précisions concernant Elye Wahi
La Fédération Ivoirienne de Football a pris connaissance des différents articles et informations publiés dans la journée de ce mercredi 17 juin 2026 concernant l’international ivoirien Elye Wahi.
À ce jour, la… pic.twitter.com/4z2Ah22vHW
— Équipe Nationale de Football Cote d’Ivoire 🇨🇮🐘 (@equipenatciv) June 18, 2026
Represents Ivory Coast Despite Legal Issues
After being questioned, Wahi was granted permission to travel to the United States to join Ivory Coast’s national team for the World Cup. The striker, formerly a France youth international, took part in Ivory Coast’s tournament opener, in which the Elephants secured a 1-0 triumph over Ecuador.
Canada Entry Ban Rules Out Appearance Against Germany
The Ivorian football federation confirmed that Wahi will not participate in the upcoming match versus Germany, scheduled for Saturday in Toronto. Canadian authorities have not authorised his entry, necessitating that Wahi remain in the United States while his team-mates travel north for the fixture.
Wahi will remain sidelined for the Germany clash as legal proceedings continue, casting a shadow over his international campaign.
