While the fervent support of Saint-Étienne fans was arguably the most notable aspect of the first leg in their Ligue 1 playoff against OGC Nice, the upcoming return fixture at Allianz Riviera this Friday will proceed without any home crowd. This significant development comes as the French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed a severe sanction against Nice.

The FFF’s Superior Appeals Commission upheld on Wednesday the closed-door penalty imposed on OGC Nice, known as the Gym, following disturbances that occurred during their match against Metz on May 17. The initial disciplinary action comprised two matches played behind closed doors and a third suspended fixture. However, the revised sanction now stipulates two firm total closed-door matches and a one-point deduction, suspended for the 2026/2027 season.

“A particularly heavy measure”

In a statement, the Nice club expressed its profound disappointment, labelling the decision as an “aberration.” The club highlighted its consistent cooperation with relevant authorities and the effective management of the situation, which had previously garnered praise from Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) delegates present at the match. “While regrettable, the club believes the pronounced sanction is an aberration considering the measures taken, its continuous cooperation with competent authorities, and the handling of the situation, which was lauded by the LFP delegates,” the club stated.

OGC Nice considers the requirement to play a potentially decisive playoff match for the club’s sporting future and survival behind closed doors to be an extremely harsh penalty. “Depriving an entire stadium of such a crucial encounter appears, in our view, to be a particularly heavy measure, both sportingly and emotionally,” the club emphasized. Moving forward, OGC Nice has announced its intention to appeal to the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) to seek conciliation. Should this step prove unsuccessful, the club reserves the right to pursue its rights through the Administrative Tribunal.