OGC Nice’s hopes for a smooth path to Ligue 1 survival have taken a severe blow. On Wednesday, the French Football League’s disciplinary committee handed down tough sanctions against the club just days before its high-stakes playoff clash with AS Saint-Étienne. The penalties follow last Sunday’s chaotic scene at the Allianz Riviera, where frustrated Nice supporters stormed the pitch, launched flares, and caused widespread damage after a disappointing draw against Metz—a result that sealed the team’s relegation fate.

Under the disciplinary measures, Nice will face two home matches behind closed doors, one of which comes with a suspended status. The first leg of the playoffs, set for Tuesday, May 26 in Saint-Étienne, will proceed as planned. However, the return leg scheduled for Friday, May 29 at the Allianz Riviera must be played without spectators—a major handicap for the home side.

The setback extends beyond stadium restrictions. Reports indicate that the FIFA has denied Nice’s request for a special exemption, meaning several first-team players called up for international duty—including potential World Cup participants—will be unavailable for the critical playoff fixtures. This development further complicates Nice’s already daunting task of securing a top-flight return.