The disciplinary committee of the French Professional Football League (LFP) has finalized the sanctions against OGC Nice following the incidents during their final Ligue 1 match against Metz on May 17, 2026. The penalties will impact the club’s upcoming fixtures, including their crucial playoff clash with Saint-Etienne.
Huis clos imposed for Nice’s playoff return match
The LFP disciplinary board ruled that Nice must play their playoff return match against Saint-Etienne behind closed doors on May 29, 2026, at 20:45. The sanction also includes a one-match suspended closed-door game for the Allianz Riviera stadium. The playoff first leg will take place on May 26, 2026, at Saint-Etienne’s Geoffroy-Guichard stadium.
These penalties stem from serious pitch invasions and the use of pyrotechnics by Nice’s supporters during the 0-0 draw with Metz, which marked the conclusion of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season. The club’s president, Jean-Pierre Rivère, expressed his disappointment over the outcome, acknowledging the club’s challenging season while urging fans to continue supporting the team despite the setbacks.
Key disciplinary decisions handed down by the LFP
The LFP’s commission also issued sanctions against several players and clubs for various infractions during the season’s final matchday. Among the notable penalties:
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Player suspensions:
- Benjamin André (Lille OSC) – One-match suspension after a fifth booking.
- Mahdi Camara (Stade Rennais FC) – One-match suspension after a fifth booking.
- Christian Mawissa (AS Monaco) – One-match suspension after a fifth booking.
- Elye Wahi (OGC Nice) – One-match suspension after a fifth booking.
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Club sanctions:
- Paris Saint-Germain – Closed-door match for their home stadium’s Auteuil stand due to supporter misconduct, including pyrotechnics, during their 33rd matchday game against Stade Brestois 29.
- OGC Nice – Two-match closed-door penalty and one suspended closed-door game at the Allianz Riviera for supporter misconduct during their final Ligue 1 match against Metz.
The LFP’s decisions emphasize a zero-tolerance policy for pitch invasions, pyrotechnics, and other forms of supporter misconduct, aiming to ensure the safety and integrity of French football.
