Elye Wahi investigated over alleged match-fixing after pre-World Cup arrest | OneFootball

Elye Wahi is under investigation for alleged match-fixing after being arrested two weeks before the World Cup, yet he started Côte d’Ivoire’s opening win against Ecuador on 15 June.

A spokesperson for the Marseille prosecutor’s office told The Athletic that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 footballer was arrested on 29 May as part of an investigation into organised fraud, organised sporting corruption, handling illicit gains and money laundering. Wahi was later released after questioning and remains a person of interest.

The probe centres on the final Ligue 1 matchday, when Wahi received a yellow card against Metz that raised suspicion. The booking ruled him out of the first leg of the relegation play-out against Saint-Etienne, then he scored twice in the return as his team secured survival.

Authorities have asked the Ivorian federation to respond. The federation has taken note of reports dated Wednesday 17 June, has not been formally notified of any judicial proceedings, and has reiterated its support for the player during a difficult period.

As Wahi remains under judicial investigation, Canadian authorities have rejected his visa. He will miss the Germany match in Toronto, will stay in the United States and rejoin the squad for the group finale against Curaçao.

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has also been refused entry to Canada due to ongoing legal cases. He is accused of seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault and is awaiting trial, and like Wahi can only play matches staged in the United States.

Source: Superdeporte