The disciplinary committee of the French Football League (LFP) has finalized the sanctions against OGC Nice following the incidents during the recent Ligue 1 match against Metz (0-0). The Niçois will play the return leg of the Ligue 1/Ligue 2 playoff against Saint-Étienne on May 29 without any spectators present.
The decision comes after a challenging season for the club, marked by unrest in the stands. The LFP has imposed a two-match closed-door sanction at the Allianz Riviera, with one match suspended, in response to the pitch invasion by Nice’s ultras and related disturbances at the final whistle.
The playoff first leg will take place on May 26 at Geoffroy-Guichard. Nice will also face a second closed-door match in the early part of the next season, whether in Ligue 1 or Ligue 2. The sanctions apply immediately, leaving the club and its supporters to navigate a difficult period without their usual backing.
Rivère: “When you support a team, you go all the way”
Jean-Pierre Rivère, who resumed his role as president of OGC Nice mid-season, expressed his disappointment over the events. “I regret how things ended. As long as there’s hope, you have to support the team. We’re in a very tough moment—no denying it. This season has been far more complicated than we anticipated,” he admitted after the match.
“Anger is understandable; everyone has lived through a difficult season. When you return, you know it’s going to be tough, and staying up is the goal. For now, we’ve failed, but we still have two matches left. I believe that when you support a team, you go all the way,” Rivère added. His words now carry added weight as the club prepares to fight for survival without its fans in the stands on May 29.
Key disciplinary decisions handed down by the LFP:
Suspensions:
Ligue 1 McDonald’s:
A one-match ban will be enforced following a fifth booking (across Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Coupe de France, or Trophée des Champions) or if probation is revoked. These suspensions will take effect from May 26, 2026.
- Benjamin André (LOSC Lille)
- Mahdi Camara (Stade Rennais FC)
- Christian Mawissa (AS Monaco)
- Elye Wahi (OGC Nice)
Pitchside behavior:
Ligue 1 McDonald’s:
33rd matchday (May 10, 2026): Paris Saint-Germain vs Stade Brestois 29
Incident: PSG supporters used pyrotechnics and displayed provocative banners.
Sanction: The tribune Auteuil at the Parc des Princes will be closed for one match. This will apply to the club’s first home Ligue 1 fixture of the 2026/2027 season.
34th matchday (May 17, 2026): OGC Nice vs FC Metz
Incident: Nice supporters used and threw pyrotechnics, invaded the pitch, and caused damage at full-time.
Sanction: Two full closed-door matches and one suspended closed-door match at the Allianz Riviera. The sanction is effective immediately.