Policemen during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Nice and Metz at Allianz Riviera on May 17, 2026 in Nice, France. (Photo by Loic Baratoux/FEP/Icon Sport) - Photo by Icon Sport

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Nice handed tough penalty ahead of Saint-Étienne relegation showdown

By sahel-express / May 20, 2026
  • Ligue 1
  • Relegation playoffs
  • Nice vs Saint-Étienne

Nice handed tough penalty ahead of Saint-Étienne relegation showdown

Nice players facing tough penalty before relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne

OGC Nice faces harsh sanctions ahead of critical relegation playoffs

OGC Nice’s hopes of securing a Ligue 1 survival spot have taken a major blow. The club now faces disciplinary action from the LFP just days before their high-stakes relegation playoffs against AS Saint-Étienne. Last Sunday’s disappointing draw against Metz, which sealed Nice’s fate in the league, was followed by chaotic scenes at the Allianz Riviera. Disgruntled supporters stormed the pitch, hurled flares, and caused significant damage to the stadium.

Heavy penalties handed down by the LFP

The LFP’s disciplinary committee has responded decisively. Nice has been hit with a two-match stadium ban, including one suspended game. This means their home leg of the relegation playoff, scheduled for May 29, will be played behind closed doors. The first leg in Saint-Étienne on May 26 remains unaffected.

Adding to the club’s woes, key players could miss these pivotal matches. Reports indicate that FIFA has denied Nice’s request for a special exemption, preventing their World Cup-bound internationals from participating in the playoffs.

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