The French Football League (LFP) has just dropped a bombshell. On the evening following the OGC Nice versus FC Metz match, played on May 17 as part of the 34th Ligue 1 fixture, the governing body received alerts regarding irregular betting patterns linked to an incident involving Elye Wahi.
That goalless draw, which left Nice facing the prospect of a relegation playoff against AS Saint-Étienne, might soon be overshadowed by far more serious allegations. The LFP reports that an unusually high volume of bets was placed on Wahi receiving a yellow card during that match—an incident that would later force him to miss the playoff’s first leg due to accumulation of cautions.
In response, the LFP has filed a complaint with French authorities, including the Central Service for Racing and Gambling of the National Police, the National Gaming Authority, and the French Football Federation. This legal action, registered on May 29, targets potential cases of sports corruption and organized fraud, aiming to uncover the full truth behind the suspicious betting surge.
The governing body has chosen not to disclose further details at this stage, citing the ongoing investigation and confidentiality requests from law enforcement. Disciplinary proceedings have not yet been initiated, but the LFP reserves the right to take action as new evidence emerges.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was detained in Marseille on May 29 in connection with the case. The individual, later released after questioning, is suspected of deliberately earning a yellow card during the match—a move that, upon reviewing footage, appears questionable given the apparent legitimacy of the tackle by Metz’s Sadibou Sané.
While speculation will undoubtedly intensify in the coming hours, it remains highly unlikely that AS Saint-Étienne’s season outcome will be revisited. Similar incidents in other leagues, such as the Premier League’s West Ham versus Aston Villa match, have historically resulted in minimal sanctions—such as a mere reprimand—once investigations conclude.
Official LFP Statement:
“Following the OGC Nice versus FC Metz match on May 17, our integrity partners flagged unusual betting activity surrounding a disciplinary decision involving Elye Wahi. In line with our commitment to protecting competition integrity, we immediately forwarded this information to the Central Service for Racing and Gambling, the National Gaming Authority, and the French Football Federation. A complaint was filed on May 29 to investigate potential sports corruption and organized fraud. At this juncture, and in accordance with police requests for confidentiality, we are unable to provide further comment or initiate disciplinary action. However, we reserve the right to do so as the investigation progresses. The LFP remains fully dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of its competitions and will take decisive action against any conduct that threatens it.”
