Just days before their critical Ligue 1 relegation playoffs against AS Saint-Étienne, OGC Nice has been hit with severe sanctions from the LFP disciplinary committee. The penalties follow last Sunday’s disappointing draw against Metz, which sealed the Aiglons’ fate and triggered chaotic scenes at Allianz Riviera—where supporters stormed the pitch, launched flares, and caused significant damage.

Harsh penalties announced

The LFP has handed Nice a two-match stadium ban at Allianz Riviera, including one suspended game. This means the return leg of the playoffs, scheduled for Nice on May 29, will be played behind closed doors. The first leg, set for May 26 in Saint-Étienne, remains unaffected by the sanctions.

International players may miss playoffs

The setback deepens for Nice as FIFA has denied requests for exemptions, blocking several of their international players from participating in the playoffs. Both Nice and Saint-Étienne had sought FIFA’s approval to release key squad members for the World Cup qualifiers, but the governing body refused to budge.

The Ligue 1 playoffs now loom as a make-or-break moment for Nice, who face an uphill battle with their home advantage stripped away and key players potentially unavailable.