Can Elye Wahi still play at the World Cup after his arrest?
The Ivory Coast striker started at the World Cup despite being the subject of an active fixing investigation in France.
The revelation that Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi was arrested in France less than two weeks before the World Cup has many fans wondering how he was still able to play in the tournament.
FIFA hasn’t suspended Elye Wahi - Here’s why
According to reporting from The Athletic, the 23-year-old is under investigation over allegations that he deliberately received a yellow card while playing for Nice in a Ligue 1 match against Metz in May.
French authorities confirmed that a Ligue 1 player was arrested and questioned as part of an investigation involving allegations of organized fraud, sports corruption and money laundering before later being released while inquiries continue.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi is under investigation over a suspected betting-related incident.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 17, 2026
The 23-year-old was ARRESTED less than two weeks before the World Cup as authorities investigate whether he deliberately received a yellow card while playing for… pic.twitter.com/Si7FKdzcG4
However, it is important to distinguish that Wahi has not been charged with a crime. An arrest does not automatically trigger a suspension from soccer competition. In most cases, governing bodies must decide whether there is sufficient evidence to impose a provisional ban while an investigation remains ongoing.
As of Tuesday, no such suspension had been announced by FIFA, the Ivorian Football Federation or French football authorities. As a result, Wahi remained eligible for selection and started Ivory Coast’s opening World Cup match against Ecuador, striking the crossbar before being substituted in the second half.
The case centers on a Ligue 1 match between Nice and Metz on May 17. According to reports, betting monitors flagged unusual wagering activity involving Wahi receiving a yellow card. He was booked in the 35th minute after a late challenge and later missed Nice’s relegation play-off first leg through suspension before returning to help keep the club in Ligue 1.
Authorities are now investigating whether the booking was deliberately sought. At this stage, investigators have made no public accusation that the offense occurred, and Wahi has not publicly commented on the allegations.
The situation nevertheless places FIFA in an uncomfortable position. The World Cup is the most watched sporting event on the planet, and integrity issues have become an increasing concern across global sports. Questions are likely to continue about what FIFA knew before the tournament and whether any additional action could be taken if the investigation develops.
For now, however, the governing body’s position appears straightforward. No charges have been filed. No suspension has been announced. And unless that changes, Elye Wahi remains eligible to play.
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