OGC Nice are prepared to pursue legal avenues if they cannot utilise their international players for the upcoming play-off matches against Saint-Étienne.
The club has expressed its discontent in a letter addressed to Vincent Labrune, the president of the Ligue de Football Professionnel.
Nice Denounce Unfair Scheduling
Nice vice-president Maurice Cohen signed the letter. It highlights the “position of extreme sporting, organisational and economic difficulty” the club faces because of the calendar choices made by the Ligue de Football Professionnel.
The letter states that the overlap between the play-off matches and the FIFA international window was foreseeable. The play-off matches against Saint-Étienne are scheduled for 26 and 29 May.
According to sources, the Ligue de Football Professionnel requested an exemption from FIFA as early as 5 May. They were confident it would be accepted if the Coupe de France finalist was involved in the play-offs.
However, FIFA reportedly rejected this request on 19 May.
Negotiations Underway with National Federations
OGC Nice now find themselves in a position where they must urgently engage in bilateral discussions with various national federations. They are seeking the release of their international players for these crucial matches.
The club argues that it is particularly questionable to schedule matches determining a club’s Ligue 1 status. The matches have significant sporting, economic, financial, contractual, commercial, and reputational consequences.
These dates expose clubs to the potential loss of a substantial portion of their professional squad.
Player Availability Uncertain
While Côte d’Ivoire has agreed to release Elye Wahi for the second leg, Tunisia have not yet agreed to release Ali Abdi. Wahi is suspended for the first leg.
The Algerian Federation is reportedly willing to release Hicham Boudaoui, but only if all Nice international players are released.
The situation regarding Kojo Oppong’s potential selection for Ghana remains unresolved. A single refusal from a federation could result in multiple absences for Nice on 26 and 29 May.
- Côte d’Ivoire has agreed to release Elye Wahi for the second leg.
- Tunisia has not yet agreed to release Ali Abdi.
- Algeria is willing to release Hicham Boudaoui if all Nice internationals are released.
OGC Nice are determined to use all possible means to be heard. The club reserves the right to initiate any useful procedure and seize all competent national and international jurisdictions. This is in order to obtain full compensation for the damage suffered due to the decisions made by the Ligue de Football Professionnel.