A pivotal match just got tougher. OGC Nice faced disciplinary action from the French Football League (LFP) this week ahead of their Ligue 1-Ligue 2 promotion playoffs against AS Saint-Étienne. Last Sunday’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Metz sealed Nice’s fate, and the frustration boiled over as home supporters stormed the Allianz Riviera pitch, hurled flares, and caused significant damage.

Heavy penalties handed down

The LFP’s disciplinary committee imposed strict sanctions on Nice: two matches behind closed doors at the Allianz Riviera, with one suspended. This means the return leg of the playoffs, set for Friday, May 29 in Nice, will proceed without spectators. The first leg, however, will take place at Saint-Étienne’s stadium on Tuesday, May 26.

International players may miss playoffs

For the Aiglons, this adds another layer of difficulty. FIFA has reportedly denied Nice’s request for a waiver, meaning any players called up for the upcoming World Cup may be unavailable for these crucial playoff matches. The same restriction reportedly applies to Saint-Étienne.

With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Nice now faces a double challenge: navigating these high-stakes matches without fan support and potentially without key international players.