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Ivory Coast’s quest for the World Cup got off to a good start with a 1-0 win over Ecuador on Sunday, but a recent scandal involving one of its players could cast a dark cloud over the entire tournament.
According to The Athletic, Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi was arrested on suspicion of match-fixing offenses less than two weeks before the start of the tournament.
Elye Wahi of Ivory Coast plays during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E match against Ecuador at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 14, 2026. (Joe Prior/Visionhaus)
The arrest followed an incident on May 17 in French Ligue 1, during which Wahi, while playing for his club Nice, was intentionally shown a yellow card against Metz.
Wahi was arrested on May 29 by French police, just hours after scoring two goals in a victory against Saint-Étienne.
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According to a spokesperson for the Marseille prosecutor’s office, Wahi was released from police custody after being interviewed by the authorities.
While the investigation is still ongoing, Wahi traveled to the United States and even participated in Ivory Coast’s victory against Ecuador last weekend.
The belief is that Wahi participated in a practice called “fixing”, which essentially involves manipulating the events of a match which players with insider knowledge can then bet on.
New York City FC forward Jovan Mijatovic receives a yellow card from referee Keylor Herrera during the second half against Queretaro FC at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on July 28, 2024. (Mark Smith/USA TODAY Sports)
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The Athletic claims suspicions were raised when the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), the governing body which runs the league in France, was informed of suspicious betting practices during the Ligue 1 match between Nice and Metz, involving bets on Wahi receiving a yellow card.
Wahi was shown a yellow card in the 35th minute of the match against Metz, and he was suspended for accumulation of yellow cards for the following match, the first leg of the relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne, which Nice drew 0–0.
Elye Wahi of Ivory Coast and teammate Nicolas Pepe react after missing a chance to score against Ecuador during a World Cup Group E soccer match in Philadelphia on June 14, 2026. (Matt Slocum/AP)
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Wahi has not been charged with any crime as the investigation continues.
OutKick has contacted FIFA for comment on the matter.
