Ligue 1 footballer detained in alleged sports betting case
A 23-year-old striker playing for Nice was placed in custody in late May in a sports corruption and money laundering investigation, before playing in the World Cup with Ivory Coast.
Ligue 1 footballer detained in alleged sports betting case
A 23-year-old player on loan from a German club to OGC Nice during the past season was taken into custody by French authorities on 29 May. This measure is part of a judicial investigation conducted by prosecutors in Marseille targeting alleged offences of rigging sporting events, money laundering and handling stolen goods, as indicated by GOLAZO.ro.
The investigation concerns a yellow card received by the player during a league match between Nice and Metz on 17 May. The caution, issued in the 35th minute, was allegedly provoked deliberately in order to serve interests linked to gambling. This sanction was the fifth of its kind for the athlete in the national competition, resulting in automatic suspension for the first leg of the playoff match against Saint-Étienne.
Returning for the second match three days later, the striker scored twice, contributing to his team's 4-1 victory and their preservation of top-flight status. Moments after being named the best player of the match, he was detained by police. Following his interview, he was released.
Subsequently, the player travelled to the United States to join the Ivory Coast national team for the World Cup final tournament. He was included in the starting eleven in the 1-0 victory over Ecuador on 17 June 2026 and played for 56 minutes, coming close to finding the net.
The investigation conducted by the Marseille prosecutor's office is continuing.
Source: Google News RO — Crime (ro)