Suspicion of match fixing involving Ligue 1 star Elye Wahi
The French football authorities have opened a formal investigation into potential match manipulation involving Ivorian international Elye Wahi after suspicious betting patterns emerged following his receipt of a yellow card in a recent Ligue 1 clash.
This unprecedented case centers on the 23-year-old Nice striker’s dismissal of a booking during the team’s 34th-round fixture against FC Metz on May 17. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) raised immediate concerns when betting markets showed unusual activity surrounding Wahi’s potential caution, prompting authorities to file a complaint against unknown persons.
Legal proceedings underway in Marseille
French prosecutors in Marseille confirmed that a 23-year-old professional footballer playing in Ligue 1 was taken into custody on May 29 as part of a joint investigation into suspected organized sports fraud and corruption. The inquiry, conducted by the specialized interregional court, covers allegations of organized scams, sports corruption, handling of illicit funds, and money laundering.
Following hours of questioning during his detention, the player was released while investigations continue. Authorities have not disclosed his identity, though reports indicate it concerns Wahi, who remains at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Ivory Coast’s national team.
Timeline of suspicious events
The investigation traces back to the unusual betting volumes detected globally just hours after the Nice-Metz match concluded. These irregular wagers specifically targeted the possibility of Wahi receiving a yellow card, prompting the LFP to notify national police, the National Gaming Authority, and the French Football Federation.
The governing body then filed its formal complaint on May 29, citing potential violations of sports corruption and organized fraud statutes. The LFP emphasized its commitment to upholding the integrity of French football, vowing to take firm action against any actions that could compromise competition fairness.
During the contentious match, Wahi was shown a yellow card at the 36th minute for a studs-up challenge on Metz defender Salidou Sané. Video evidence suggests he could have received an earlier booking at the 32nd minute for a reckless tackle from behind on Bouna Sarr. The caution resulted in Wahi’s suspension for the first leg of Nice’s relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne, a match the club ultimately won to secure their top-flight status.
The unfolding scandal adds another layer of scrutiny to the ongoing 2026 World Cup, with Wahi’s club and national team performances now under enhanced observation.
