OGC Nice has managed to clear a major obstacle ahead of its do-or-die Ligue 1 relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne by obtaining approval from most national federations to keep its World Cup-bound players available for the two-legged tie. The development removes the immediate threat of losing up to nine key figures at a critical juncture of the season.
The risk stemmed from a FIFA regulation that permits national teams to call up players for World Cup preparations beginning on 25 May, just one day before the first leg of the playoff on 26 May, with the return scheduled for 29 May. With the Qatar 2022 tournament in sight, federations were within their rights to demand that players join preparatory camps, potentially decimating Nice’s squad during its most important matches.
According to information obtained by L'Equipe, between eight and nine members of the first-team group are on the radar of their respective countries for the global showpiece. Faced with the prospect of fielding a severely depleted side, Nice's sporting hierarchy acted swiftly, engaging in negotiations with the relevant federations while also securing the backing of the players themselves, who reportedly wanted to stay and help the club secure its top-flight status.
The collaborative push has paid dividends. The club has now secured the green light from a large majority of the affected associations, meaning the likes of seasoned internationals and World Cup aspirants will be at coach Didier Digard's disposal for the high-stakes encounter. The mood around the Allianz Riviera is one of cautious optimism, even as the final paperwork is still being completed.
However, two significant loose ends remain. Ghanaian goalkeeper Kojo Peprah Oppong and Algerian midfielder Hicham Boudaoui are still awaiting definitive clearance from their national federations. While Oppong is a promising young shot-stopper whose inclusion could be pivotal for squad depth, Boudaoui is an established starter whose energy and creativity in midfield would be sorely missed if Algeria insists on his immediate release.
Sources close to the club indicate that negotiations are ongoing and that no unexpected hurdles are anticipated, but until the official stamps are in place, a sliver of uncertainty lingers. The Algerian Football Federation, in particular, is known for its meticulous World Cup preparation plans, and the timing of their final decision remains the subject of close attention in the south of France.
The implications for the playoff tie itself are enormous. A full-strength Nice side presents a formidable challenge for Saint-Étienne, who themselves are fighting tooth and nail for a return to Ligue 1. Had Nice been forced to field a makeshift lineup, the balance of power would have tilted sharply in favor of the visitors, potentially condemning the Riviera club to relegation after a tumultuous campaign.
From a broader perspective, the episode highlights the delicate tightrope that European clubs must walk when domestic fixtures collide with international windows in a World Cup year. It also demonstrates the power of player solidarity, as the willingness of the squad members to defer their national team duties—even temporarily—proved instrumental in persuading hesitant federations.
For the players involved, the compromise offers a best-of-both-worlds scenario. They remain in a competitive rhythm by playing meaningful matches instead of joining training camps weeks before the tournament begins, while also fulfilling their duty to their employer at a time of need. Should Nice prevail, the post-season celebrations could provide an emotional springboard before heading off to Qatar.
With the first kick-off just days away, the focus now shifts entirely to on-field preparations. The coaching staff can begin tactical planning with greater certainty, knowing that the spine of the team will be intact. The final updates from the Ghana and Algeria camps will be scrutinized eagerly, but the prevailing sentiment at the club is that the worst of the administrative storm has passed.
The Ligue 1 relegation playoff has a history of producing dramatic narratives, and the subplot of Nice’s internationals fighting for their clubs’ survival just months before a World Cup adds yet another layer of intrigue. Fans will be hoping that the unity off the pitch translates into a resilient performance on it.
The hope now is that the remaining bureaucratic hurdles are cleared without delay, allowing Nice to take to the field at full strength and on an even keel. As the countdown to the playoff continues, all eyes will be on the fax machines and email inboxes—and on the men who could make all the difference.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.