Nice Lose Boudaoui, Abdi Faces Club Sanction

OGC Nice will enter the Ligue 1 relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne without Hicham Boudaoui. Boudaoui is sidelined by a concussion protocol that bars him from the match. Ali Abdi also remains unavailable after joining Tunisia’s national team. The concussion protocol requires Boudaoui to complete a medical clearance before playing any competitive fixture. The protocol’s duration means he misses the entire two‑leg playoff. Tunisia called up Ali Abdi to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. By joining the Aigles de Carthage, Abdi contravenes Nice’s internal rules. Nice announced that Abdi will be sanctioned for the breach, though details of the penalty were not disclosed. The sanction follows Nice’s policy on players leaving for non‑club commitments. Without Boudaoui’s midfield presence and Abdi’s contributions, Nice’s chances of retaining top‑flight status are reduced. The team must rely on remaining squad members to secure the aggregate result.