Empty stands at Allianz Riviera for Nice’s crucial playoff against Saint-Étienne

The upcoming high-stakes encounter that will determine top-flight status is set to take place in an eerily silent environment. This Wednesday, the LFP disciplinary commission delivered its verdict regarding OGC Nice, imposing significant sanctions just before their Ligue 1-Ligue 2 playoff battle against AS Saint-Étienne. The decision follows the chaotic scenes witnessed last Sunday after a frustrating draw against Metz, where local supporters breached the pitch at the Allianz Riviera, deployed pyrotechnics, and caused various damages.

As a direct consequence of these incidents, the LFP has hit Nice with a two-match total stadium ban at the Allianz Riviera, with one of those matches being a suspended sentence. This means the return leg of the playoffs, scheduled to be held in Nice on Friday, May 29, will be played behind closed doors. Meanwhile, the first leg is still slated to take place in Saint-Étienne on Tuesday, May 26.

This development is a massive blow to the Nice squad, which is already grappling with personnel issues. The club could be forced to play these decisive fixtures without several key international players. FIFA has reportedly rejected a request for a waiver that would have allowed players from both Nice and Saint-Étienne selected for the World Cup to remain with their clubs for the playoff duration. This lack of flexibility leaves both teams vulnerable at a critical juncture in their seasons.