Jean-Pierre Rivère: French Cup Not Priority After Nice Draw

OGC Nice and FC Metz played to a 0-0 draw on Sunday evening, leaving the Nice side facing a relegation playoff to retain their Ligue 1 status. Club president Jean-Pierre Rivère addressed the media after the match. The stalemate means Nice must compete in a two‑legged playoff, commonly referred to as a “barrage”, to secure their place in the top division for the coming season. The result leaves their Ligue 1 future undecided until the playoff. Rivère called for unity within the club ahead of the decisive tie, emphasizing that collective effort will be essential. He stressed that the players, staff and supporters must rally together. He also expressed disappointment that the situation has pushed the French Cup final out of the club’s focus. Rivère said the Cup final is no longer the priority given the relegation battle. The French Cup, which Nice had been contesting, will now take a back seat as the team prepares for the playoff. The shift in priority reflects the immediate need to preserve Ligue 1 status. Rivère’s comments were made in a press conference held shortly after the match. He reiterated the club’s determination to fight for survival. The upcoming playoff will determine whether Nice remains in Ligue 1, while the French Cup final proceeds without the club’s involvement as a priority. Fans await the outcome of both competitions.