Nice hit with tough penalties before Ligue 1 playoffs clash with Saint-Étienne

The Ligue 1 playoffs against Saint-Étienne just got tougher for Nice. The club now faces severe sanctions from the French Football League (LFP) after crowd disturbances following last Sunday’s disappointing draw against Metz, which sealed their fate in the league.

Fans invaded the Allianz Riviera pitch, hurled pyrotechnics, and caused significant damage. The LFP’s disciplinary committee responded with a two-match home stadium ban for Nice, one of which is suspended. This means the crucial playoff return leg, scheduled for May 29 in Nice, will be played behind closed doors.

The playoff first leg will take place in Saint-Étienne on May 26. But that’s not all—Nice may also lose key international players for these decisive matches. Reports indicate FIFA has denied both Nice and Saint-Étienne’s request for special dispensation, preventing their World Cup-bound players from participating in the playoffs.

With sanctions looming and squad strength uncertain, Nice faces an uphill battle to secure their Ligue 1 status.