An unusual alert has emerged from the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) following a Ligue 1 match that concluded with an unremarkable scoreline. On May 17, 2026, OGC Nice and FC Metz played out a goalless draw in the 34th matchday of the season, a result that forced Nice into a relegation playoff against AS Saint-Étienne. However, attention has since shifted away from the match itself to the circumstances surrounding a yellow card issued to Elye Wahi during that game.
The LFP has raised concerns over irregular betting patterns detected internationally on the sports betting markets related to this encounter. Specifically, the governing body noted an unusually high volume of wagers placed on the event of Wahi receiving a yellow card. This caution proved pivotal, as it led to Wahi’s suspension for the first leg of the playoff, where Nice ultimately secured their Ligue 1 status.
In response to these irregularities, the LFP took immediate action. On May 29, 2026, the organisation filed a complaint with French authorities, including the Service Central des Courses et Jeux of the National Police, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux, and the French Football Federation. The complaint, registered as a case against an unknown individual, pertains to allegations of sports corruption and organised fraud. The LFP has refrained from making further public statements while investigations are ongoing, though it reserves the right to take disciplinary action depending on the findings.
The LFP emphasised its unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of football competitions, stating that it would take firm action against any conduct that threatens the fairness of its tournaments. No additional comments have been issued, and no disciplinary procedures have been initiated at this stage.
