The stakes couldn’t be higher for Nice ahead of their critical Ligue 1 playoffs against Saint-Étienne. On Wednesday, the LFP’s disciplinary committee imposed severe penalties on the club following last Sunday’s chaotic scenes at Allianz Riviera. After a disappointing draw against Metz, which dashed their hopes of avoiding the relegation playoffs, Nice’s supporters stormed the pitch, hurled flares, and caused significant damage to the stadium.

In response, the LFP handed down a harsh verdict: Nice must play their next two home playoff matches behind closed doors, with one of those fixtures suspended. This means the return leg in Nice on May 29 will take place without any fans in attendance. Meanwhile, the first leg in Saint-Étienne on May 26 remains unaffected by this decision.

International absences loom over crucial matches

The setback extends beyond stadium sanctions. The club faces the real possibility of losing several key players to international duty, as the FIFA has rejected Nice and Saint-Étienne’s request for temporary exemptions. This means any players called up for the upcoming World Cup may be unavailable for the high-stakes playoff clashes.

The combination of disciplinary measures and potential player absences creates a daunting challenge for Nice as they prepare to face Saint-Étienne in what could decide their future in Ligue 1.