Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi has reportedly been detained by French authorities over allegations that he intentionally received a yellow card during a Ligue 1 fixture, even as he continues to represent his country at the ongoing World Cup.

French investigators are said to have interrogated Wahi, an international footballer for Ivory Coast, in connection with serious spot-fixing claims. The allegations centre around a booking he received in a domestic league match just weeks before appearing on football’s grandest stage.

Investigation into Ligue 1 spot-fixing

According to reports from The Athletic, the 23-year-old forward has become the focal point of a major legal probe after being arrested on suspicion of match-fixing. Wahi, who currently plays for Nice and is representing Ivory Coast at the World Cup, is under active investigation for his actions during a Ligue 1 encounter between Nice and Metz on May 17.

The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) had raised concerns about unusual betting activity related to Wahi’s yellow card in the 35th minute of that match. The caution, which was his fifth of the campaign, resulted in a suspension for the first leg of Nice’s relegation play-off. After returning to score twice in the second leg on May 29, Wahi was arrested by French anti-corruption officers. Authorities are now attempting to determine whether the caution was intentional.

Police custody and questioning

Records indicate that Wahi was taken into custody on May 29, less than two weeks before the World Cup commenced. Following interrogation by French police, the Nice striker was released under investigation, allowing him to rejoin the Ivorian squad for their group-stage fixtures.

Confirming the operation, a spokesperson for the Marseille public prosecutor’s office stated: “We can confirm that a 23-year-old footballer playing in France’s Ligue 1 was arrested on May 29 as part of an inquiry launched by the Marseille public prosecutor’s office into allegations of organised fraud, organised sports corruption, handling of criminal proceeds, and money laundering.”

Ongoing legal proceedings

Although Wahi has returned to the field, legal proceedings in France are still ongoing. The prosecutor’s office clarified that while he has been released following initial questioning, he remains under investigation. The statement also emphasised that the player in question is not part of the French national team. Wahi switched his international allegiance to Ivory Coast from France, whom he had represented at youth level, earlier this year in March.

The spokesperson added: “He was released after being interviewed in police custody. The investigations remain ongoing. The football player is not a member of the French squad participating in the World Cup.”

Impact on the World Cup campaign

For now, Ivory Coast’s World Cup journey remains unaffected by the controversy. Wahi started in the Elephants’ 1-0 win over Ecuador on Sunday night, showing little visible impact from the legal scrutiny back in Europe. The Nice striker featured for 55 minutes and came close to scoring when his shot struck the crossbar before being substituted. Ivory Coast’s next match is scheduled against Germany on Saturday night, followed by their final Group E clash against Curacao next Thursday.