Football: suspicions of match-fixing involving Ligue 1 star Elye Wahi
French football is under intense scrutiny following allegations that Elye Wahi, Ivorian international and Ligue 1 striker, may have deliberately earned a yellow card during a critical match against Metz. The suspicions arose from irregular betting patterns detected by sports betting monitoring partners, prompting legal action from the Ligue de football professionnel (LFP).
Legal action following betting anomalies
The LFP filed a complaint against X on May 29 after detecting unusual betting activity surrounding a caution received by Wahi during the 34th matchday of the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season. The alert came from specialized partners monitoring global sports betting markets, who flagged an abnormal volume of bets placed on Wahi receiving a yellow card.
The public prosecutor’s office in Marseille confirmed that a 23-year-old professional footballer competing in Ligue 1 was taken into custody on May 29 as part of a joint investigation into organized sports corruption, fraud, handling, and money laundering. Following questioning, the player was released pending further investigations.
Controversial decision on the pitch
During the match between OGC Nice and FC Metz on May 17, Wahi—who is currently representing Côte d’Ivoire at the 2026 FIFA World Cup—received a yellow card in the 36th minute for a studs-up challenge on Metz defender Salidou Sané. Video analysis suggests he could have been booked much earlier: at the 32nd minute, he committed a dangerous sliding tackle from behind on Bouna Sarr, which went unpunished.
The yellow card resulted in Wahi’s suspension for the first leg of the Ligue 1/Ligue 2 playoff against Saint-Étienne, a match that proved crucial for Nice’s survival in the top division. The LFP has emphasized its commitment to preserving the integrity of its competitions, vowing to take firm action against any behavior that could undermine fair play.
World Cup participation overshadowed
Wahi’s involvement in the ongoing World Cup adds further complexity to the situation. The 23-year-old striker, known for his speed and finishing, remains under the spotlight as investigations continue. The LFP has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward match manipulation and irregular betting activities, signaling that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring the legitimacy of French football.
