• OGC Nice must host their relegation play-off return leg without fans after LFP ruling
• The stadium ban follows a pitch invasion and crowd trouble during their final league match
• The French club has confirmed they will appeal the decision ahead of Friday’s fixture
• Nice face AS Saint-Étienne in a two-legged battle to avoid dropping to Ligue 2

French football authorities have ordered OGC Nice to play their decisive relegation play-off return leg against AS Saint-Étienne behind closed doors. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) issued the ruling on Wednesday following ugly scenes at the Allianz Riviera last weekend.

The punishment comes after supporters invaded the pitch following a goalless draw with FC Metz on Sunday. Officials also cited the use of flares and damage caused by home fans during the disorder. The ban covers two matches, though one remains suspended.

Nice only managed a stalemate against Metz on the final day of the campaign. Results elsewhere did not favour the club. This forced them into a two-legged play-off against Saint-Étienne to secure their top-flight status for next season.

The first leg takes place at Saint-Étienne’s ground this Tuesday. The return fixture was due to be played at Nice’s home on Friday evening. However, no spectators will now be allowed inside the stadium for that crucial second match.

Club officials have already confirmed they will challenge the LFP’s decision through the appeals process. They hope to overturn the ban before the decisive kick-off on Friday.

• Paris FC say no to hosting PSG’s Ligue 1 trophy presentation at their stadium.
• The club prefer to hold their own ceremony for players who are leaving.
• PSG are close to winning their 14th French league title.
• Police stop PSG’s backup plan to use the Parc des Princes.

Paris Saint-Germain will not lift the Ligue 1 trophy at Stade Jean-Bouin. Their local rivals Paris FC have rejected a request from the LFP to host the title party at their ground this Sunday.

Luis Enrique’s side are almost certain to be champions. They beat Brest 1-0 at home last weekend. They now sit six points clear of RC Lens in second place. PSG also have a much better goal difference with only two matches left to play.

The team from the capital travel to Lens this Wednesday. They then face Paris FC at the Stade Jean-Bouin for their final match of the season. The LFP wanted to hold the trophy presentation there after the game. However, Paris FC have different plans.

According to reports, the club wish to honour their own players who are leaving. Julien Lopez is one of the long-serving stars who will say goodbye to the fans. They want to focus on their own ceremony instead of PSG’s party.

Paris Saint-Germain had a second option. They asked to hold the celebration at their own Parc des Princes stadium. The ground sits very close to the Stade Jean-Bouin. However, the police in Paris have blocked this idea. They will not allow the event to take place there.