Nice Prioritises Ligue 1 Play‑off Over French Cup Final

OGC Nice finished 16th in Ligue 1 after the 34th and final round of the season. The club will contest a two‑legged relegation play‑off against AS Saint‑Étienne and also prepare for the French Cup final against Lens. President Jean‑Pierre Rivère stated that the play‑off will receive priority. Finishing 16th means Nice must win the play‑off to retain its place in the French top division. The league’s rules pit the 16th‑placed team against the Ligue 2 champion in a home‑and‑away tie. The play‑off consists of one match at each club’s stadium, with the aggregate winner earning the Ligue 1 spot for the next season. A loss would relegate Nice despite its cup run. Meanwhile, Nice have already secured a place in the French Cup final, where they will face Lens. The final is scheduled before the play‑off second leg, adding a tight timetable for the squad. Rivère explained that preserving Ligue 1 status is essential for the club’s financial stability and long‑term planning. He emphasized that the league outcome outweighs the prestige of the cup final. If Nice were to lose the play‑off, the club would be relegated even after potentially lifting the cup trophy. The dual challenge highlights the pressure on the team in the coming weeks. Supporters will watch both fixtures closely, hoping the side can secure league survival while contesting the cup final. The club’s preparations now focus on balancing both competitions.