The French football authorities have launched an investigation into potential match-fixing after unusual betting patterns were detected around a specific yellow card issued to Ivory Coast international Elye Wahi during a Ligue 1 fixture.

LFP files complaint following betting irregularities

The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) confirmed it filed a complaint against X on May 29 after receiving alerts from specialized betting monitoring partners regarding a surge in wagers on Elye Wahi receiving a yellow card in Nice’s 17 May match against FC Metz.

French prosecutors in Marseille disclosed that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was detained on May 29 as part of an investigation into organized sports corruption, fraud, handling stolen goods, and money laundering. The individual was released after questioning but remains under investigation.

Key moments in the controversial match

During the Ligue 1 game, Wahi received a yellow card at the 36th minute for a studs-up challenge on Metz defender Salidou Sané. Notably, he had earlier escaped a second booking at the 32nd minute despite a dangerous tackle from behind on Bouna Sarr.

The yellow card resulted in Wahi’s suspension for Nice’s subsequent Ligue 1/Ligue 2 playoff first leg against Saint-Étienne, a match that proved crucial for the Côte d’Ivoire forward’s team to maintain their top-flight status.

Football authorities maintain integrity stance

The LFP emphasized its commitment to preserving competition integrity, vowing to take decisive action against any actions that could undermine the sport’s fairness. The case has raised serious concerns about potential match manipulation ahead of the ongoing 2026 World Cup where Wahi is representing Ivory Coast.