The OGC Nice faces a challenging road ahead as they prepare for their relegation playoffs showdown with AS Saint-Étienne. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has handed down harsh penalties following last Sunday’s tumultuous 1-1 draw at home against Metz, which sealed the club’s fate in Ligue 1.

Pitch invasions, pyrotechnic disturbances, and stadium damage marred the final moments of the match, prompting the LFP’s disciplinary committee to take decisive action. Nice has been hit with a two-game stadium ban, with one match suspended, meaning their second leg at home on May 29 will be played behind closed doors.

Key sanctions and their impact

• Huis clos total for two matches at the Allianz Riviera, one of which is suspended.
• First leg in Saint-Étienne on May 26 remains unaffected by the sanctions.
• Potential loss of international players due to FIFA’s refusal of a special exemption for World Cup-bound stars to participate in the playoffs.

These penalties add to the mounting pressure on Nice as they fight to secure their Ligue 1 status. The club’s hopes of retaining top-flight football now hinge on overcoming both the administrative hurdles and the upcoming high-stakes matches against Saint-Étienne.