Ligue 1 player arrested on suspicion of match-fixing
Elye Wahi, a 23-year-old French footballer, was detained in late May in a case involving illegal betting and alleged corruption in France. He nonetheless played for Côte d'Ivoire in the country's opening World Cup match.
Ligue 1 player arrested on suspicion of match-fixing
Footballer Elye Wahi, aged 23, was placed in police custody at the end of May as part of a judicial procedure concerning illegal sports betting and alleged acts of corruption in football, according to information published by România Liberă.
The facts date back to 17 May 2026, during a Ligue 1 match between Nice and Metz. Investigators believe the striker deliberately received a yellow card in the 35th minute, with the aim of favouring an illegal betting network.
On 29 May, just days after scoring a brace in the playoff that enabled Nice to maintain their top-flight status, the player was apprehended by law enforcement. Released after questioning, he remains under investigation. For now, no formal charges have been filed.
In an official statement, the authorities confirmed the detention of a 23-year-old player in the French championship, as part of an investigation by the Marseille Public Prosecutor's Office for "criminal association, organised sports corruption, receipt of stolen goods and money laundering". They specified that the player in question was not in the squad of the Blues for the World Cup.
Despite this matter, the coach of Côte d'Ivoire, Emerse Fae, kept Wahi in his group for the World Cup and fielded him from the start against Ecuador. The player was substituted in the 56th minute.
Born in France, Wahi carried the colours of French youth selections before recently opting for Côte d'Ivoire at senior level. He has two caps with the Elephants.
At club level, he has played for Montpellier, Lens, Marseille, Frankfurt and Nice. His value is estimated at 18 million euros by the Transfermarkt website.
Source: România Liberă
Source: Romania Libera