News Focus
- The Ligue 1 relegation play-off between OGC Nice and AS Saint-Étienne faces serious disruption due to FIFA international call-up dates
- FIFA has refused the French League’s request for an exemption to keep players for the crucial relegation matches
- OGC Nice could lose nine international stars including players from Tunisia, Senegal, Ghana and Egypt
- AS Saint-Étienne risk losing three key players representing Ghana and New Zealand
- Both clubs must now negotiate with national federations to retain their squad members for the two-legged tie
The Ligue 1 relegation play-off between OGC Nice and AS Saint-Étienne hangs in the balance. The two-legged clash has been delayed because Nice will compete in the Coupe de France final against RC Lens this Friday.
The fixture congestion creates a serious problem. The first leg takes place on 26th May in Saint-Étienne. However, FIFA rules state that clubs must release players for international duty on 25th May. This date falls just one day before the opening match.
The French League (LFP) asked FIFA for special permission to keep the players. They wanted an exemption similar to the one granted for the Champions League final. However, FIFA said no to this request.
Now both clubs face a race against time. They must speak with national football associations to keep their international stars. Nice stand to lose up to nine players. These include Ali Abdi from Tunisia, Elye Wahi from Ivory Coast, and several African representatives such as Yehvann Diouf and Antoine Mendy from Senegal. The list also features Hicham Boudaoui from Algeria, Kojo Peprah Oppong and Salis Abdul Samed from Ghana, Moise Bombito from Canada, and Mohamed Abdelmonem from Egypt.
Saint-Étienne also face difficulties. They could lose Ben Old from New Zealand, plus Augustine Boakye and Ebenezer Annan from Ghana.
The second leg will take place in Nice on Friday. However, without their key international players, both teams could struggle in these crucial matches that decide who stays in Ligue 1.