This particular Nice-Metz encounter, which ended in a forgettable 0-0 draw, holds little historical significance for French football, save for the fact that it forced OGC Nice into a playoff against AS Saint-Étienne to secure their Ligue 1 status.

However, the LFP revealed this Wednesday evening that atypical international betting patterns were observed surrounding the match. Specifically, an uncommon volume of wagers focused on a yellow card issued to Wahi during the May 17 game. This booking subsequently rendered Wahi ineligible for the first leg of the crucial playoff against ASSE due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

The LFP promptly forwarded these details to the relevant authorities, including the Service Central des Courses et Jeux of the National Police, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux, and the Fédération Française de Football. To facilitate a thorough investigation and uncover the truth, a formal complaint against an unknown party was filed on May 29, 2026. The complaint cites potential charges of sports corruption and organized fraud.

The LFP has stated it will refrain from further comment at this stage and has not yet initiated any disciplinary proceedings. Nevertheless, it reserves the right to do so as the investigation progresses.

Reports indicate that a spokesperson for the Marseille public prosecutor’s office confirmed the arrest of a 23-year-old Ligue 1 footballer on May 29. This arrest was part of an inquiry launched by the Marseille prosecutor’s office concerning suspicions of organized fraud, organized sports corruption, receiving proceeds of crime, and money laundering. The player was released after being questioned under police custody, and investigations are ongoing.

Elye Wahi is thus suspected of intentionally receiving this yellow card. Upon reviewing footage, the foul on Metz player Sadibou Sané, while clear, does not appear to be deliberately committed to earn a booking. While this situation is expected to generate numerous theories in the coming hours, it seems improbable that AS Saint-Étienne will be directly or indirectly impacted by any modification to their sporting season’s outcome. For context, a comparable incident occurred in England during a Premier League match between West Ham and Aston Villa, where Hammers midfielder Lucas Paqueta received a yellow card under similar suspicious betting circumstances. Following an inquiry, he ultimately received only a reprimand from his federation.

Official Communication from the LFP:

“Following the OGC Nice – FC Metz match on May 17, which was part of the 34th day of Ligue 1, the LFP was alerted by its specialized partners in sports betting market surveillance to atypical international movements. These alerts pertained to an unusual volume of bets concerning a caution involving player Elye Wahi.

In accordance with its mandate and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of competitions, the LFP immediately transmitted this information to the competent authorities: the Service Central des Courses et Jeux of the National Police, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux, and the Fédération Française de Football.

In this context, and to allow for the full manifestation of the truth, a complaint against an unknown party was filed on May 29, 2026, for acts potentially constituting sports corruption and organized fraud.

At this stage, and given the ongoing procedure and the confidentiality requirements expressed by police authorities, the LFP will not make any further comments and has not initiated disciplinary proceedings. It nevertheless reserves the right to do so depending on the evolution of the investigations.

The LFP reiterates its full commitment to ensuring the integrity of its competitions and will act with the utmost firmness against any conduct liable to compromise it.”