The situation surrounding Elye Wahi has taken a new turn following revelations from The Athletic. The Ivorian forward, who plays in Ligue 1, is suspected of deliberately earning a yellow card during the 34th matchday against FC Metz. According to reports, this action is linked to a rigged betting scheme aimed at influencing online wagers. These accusations, particularly sensitive in the context of European football, place the player at the center of an investigation closely monitored by sports and judicial authorities.
This case goes beyond mere media speculation. The player was questioned by police at the end of May to respond to the allegations against him. This interrogation comes amid an already tense atmosphere as the case continues to evolve. On the sporting front, the consequences are immediate: Wahi is forced to miss the upcoming match for Côte d’Ivoire, scheduled for Saturday against Germany. This is a significant absence for a team engaged in a major international competition. According to the information provided, this situation is not the result of an internal sporting decision, but rather an external administrative measure.
Indeed, the Ivorian Football Federation has stated that the player cannot join his teammates for this match due to entry restrictions into Canadian territory.
“Indeed, the necessary administrative authorizations for his entry into Canadian territory could not be obtained at this stage. Elye Wahi will therefore remain in the United States while waiting for the team’s return,” said the Ivorian Football Federation. This decision, independent of the national team, prevents the forward from participating in this second match of the ongoing phase, despite starting the tournament as a starter in the victory against Ecuador (1-0).
In the wake of this, the FIF clarified its position and emphasized that it had not been officially informed of any judicial or administrative proceedings directly targeting the player. The governing body of Ivorian football also insists on its support for the player during this difficult time. “The FIF adds that it has not been officially notified of any judicial or administrative proceedings concerning him,” and it reaffirms its confidence in the player. “Elye Wahi remains an important part of the national team of Côte d’Ivoire.”
🚨COMMUNIQUÉ 🚨
La FIF apporte des précisions concernant Elye Wahi
La Fédération Ivoirienne de Football a pris connaissance des différents articles et informations publiés dans la journée de ce mercredi 17 juin 2026 concernant l’international ivoirien Elye Wahi.
À ce jour, la… pic.twitter.com/4z2Ah22vHW
— Équipe Nationale de Football Cote d’Ivoire 🇨🇮🐘 (@equipenatciv) June 18, 2026
Despite this situation, the Federation maintains its trust in Elye Wahi, seen as a key player in the Ivorian offensive setup. The player could return to competition for the third group match, scheduled for June 25 against Curaçao, depending on the evolution of his administrative and sporting situation. In the meantime, his absence weighs heavily on the team’s options, forcing them to adapt to a situation that has become central to their tournament start.
