Ivory Coast Striker Cleared to Play World Cup Amid French Match-Fixing Probe

French police detained Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi, 23, only two weeks before the tournament began, as part of an investigation into betting and suspected match-fixing in Ligue 1. According to The Athletic, investigators believe Wahi may have deliberately picked up a yellow card in Marseille's match against Metz on May 17, a booking that led to a suspension for the first leg of the French relegation playoff. Police are examining whether the incident was tied to a scheme aimed at influencing betting markets.

Marseille prosecutors confirmed that Wahi was arrested on May 29 in a broader probe involving alleged organized fraud, corruption, money laundering, and receiving money from criminal activity. He was questioned and then released, and the investigation is still ongoing. So far, he has not been charged with any offense.

The first alert reportedly came after authorities saw unusual betting patterns focused on whether Wahi would be booked in that match. The case was then passed to the French Football Federation and the anti-corruption sports investigation unit for review.

Despite the probe, Wahi was allowed to travel to the United States and join Ivory Coast's World Cup squad. He played in his country's opening 1-0 win over Ecuador, while French authorities continue investigating. FIFA has not publicly said whether it knew about the arrest before the tournament or whether the case could affect his World Cup status. Wahi is training normally and is expected to be available for Saturday's 23:00 match against Germany.