OGC Nice faces a daunting challenge ahead of their Ligue 1 relegation playoffs. The club has been handed severe sanctions by the French Football League (LFP) just days before their crucial showdown with AS Saint-Étienne. The penalties follow chaotic scenes at Allianz Riviera after last Sunday’s disappointing draw against Metz, which sealed Nice’s fate at the bottom of the table.

Severe sanctions handed to Nice

In the wake of the pitch invasion and pyrotechnic incidents following the loss to Metz, the LFP has imposed a two-match stadium ban on Nice, with one of those suspended. The first leg of the playoffs against Saint-Étienne on May 26 will be played behind closed doors in Saint-Étienne, while the second leg in Nice on May 29 will also take place without spectators.

Potential impact on World Cup-bound players

The sanctions come at a critical time for Nice, as they could also affect several players set to represent their national teams in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The governing body has reportedly denied requests for special dispensations that would allow these players to participate in both the playoffs and international duty. This decision adds another layer of complexity to Nice’s already challenging playoff scenario.

What’s next for Nice and Saint-Étienne?

With the playoff draw now set against Saint-Étienne, Nice faces an uphill battle to secure their Ligue 1 status. The absence of fans, combined with potential player unavailability, only intensifies the pressure on the Aiglons to deliver a strong performance in these high-stakes fixtures.