OGC Nice’s hopes of securing a Ligue 1 survival spot have taken a severe blow. The club now faces disciplinary sanctions from the French Football League (LFP) just days before their high-stakes playoff showdown with AS Saint-Étienne. Last Sunday’s disappointing draw against Metz, which sealed Nice’s fate at the bottom of the table, was followed by chaotic scenes at Allianz Riviera. Supporters stormed the pitch, hurled pyrotechnics, and caused significant damage to the stadium.

Sanctions imposed by the LFP

The LFP has handed Nice a two-match stadium ban, with one game suspended. The return leg of the playoff, scheduled to take place in Nice on May 29, will now be played behind closed doors. Meanwhile, the first leg in Saint-Étienne on May 26 remains unaffected by the ban but will proceed under heightened security measures.

International players at risk

Adding to Nice’s troubles, FIFA has reportedly denied the club’s request for a special exemption. This means several first-team players called up for international duty may miss the critical playoff matches. The decision could further weaken Nice’s already fragile squad as they battle to avoid relegation to Ligue 2.