Striker Elye Wahi was detained in Marseille on suspicion of spot‑fixing just weeks before the World Cup kicked off, ABC News confirmed. Police released him shortly after questioning. French prosecutors are leading the inquiry after the Ligue 1 authorities flagged an abnormal surge in bets on Wahi receiving a yellow card during Nice’s May 17 match against Metz before the tournament.

The Ligue 1 probe stems from alerts that betting monitors detected coordinated wagers targeting the caution. The league promptly informed police, gambling regulators and the French Football Federation, and lodged a criminal complaint against unidentified suspects. Wahi, who helped Nice avoid relegation by scoring twice in a 4‑1 playoff win, remains a central figure in Ivory Coast’s World Cup squad.

Wahi arrived in Nice on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt after a series of high‑profile transfers that total nearly €90 million in fees. He previously moved from Lens to Marseille for €25 million and then to Frankfurt for €26 million, yet struggled to score. The investigation threatens his World Cup participation and could force the Ivory Coast to reshuffle their attacking options.