OGC Nice to Face Saint-Étienne in Relegation Play‑off, Coupe De‑Prioritized

OGC Nice will meet AS Saint-Étienne in a relegation play‑off to retain their Ligue 1 status after a 0‑0 draw with FC Metz on Sunday night. President Jean‑Pierre Rivere added that the Coupe de France is no longer a priority for the club. The goalless match against FC Metz left Nice level on points with several teams fighting to avoid the drop, confirming the need for a play‑off. The draw was played on Sunday evening, with both sides failing to break the deadlock. With the draw, the Ligue 1 board confirmed that Nice must contest a two‑legged tie against AS Saint-Étienne. The outcome will decide which club remains in the top flight for the 2026‑27 season. AS Saint-Étienne, a club with recent Ligue 1 experience, will be the opponent in the decisive play‑off. The fixture will be decided over two matches, home and away, according to the league’s regulations. Jean‑Pierre Rivere emphasized that the club’s focus has shifted away from the Coupe de France. He stated that the competition will take a back seat as the priority becomes securing Ligue 1 survival. Nice will now direct its resources and preparation toward the upcoming play‑off, aiming to avoid relegation. The club’s next steps will involve tactical planning and squad rotation to meet the challenge. The situation leaves Nice supporters hopeful that the team can rally in the decisive matches and retain top‑flight football for the coming season.