OGC Nice: looking back on the crisis period

Between disappointing sporting results and a boycott by its supporters, OGC Nice recently went through a deep crisis. A look back at the key moments of this difficult period.

After an unconvincing transfer window in summer 2025 and the sale of key players such as Evan Guessand or Gaëtan Laborde, OGC Nice began its 2025-2026 season with defeats in the league and Champions League play-offs. After a difficult month of August, the Gym started September with a home victory against FC Nantes (1-0).

In early October, signs of the crisis appeared with the boycott of the trip to Monaco. Accustomed to traveling for the Côte d’Azur derby, the Populaire Sud supporter group announced in a statement that it would boycott the match against Monaco. The reasons were the team’s poor sporting results (two wins in nine matches) and construction work at Louis-II not allowing all supporters to be accommodated.

“Out of fairness to our members, rather than having to select the ‘lucky ones’ able to go to Louis-II. A stadium under construction, we know, but in which we also know we are not welcome and it is shown to us once again. Nobody will go! The pitiful results of our drifting team confirm us in this choice,” explained the Ultras group at the time.

The situation worsened in November when the club failed to win any of the six matches. Le Gym even suffered a crushing 5-1 home defeat to Marseille. A scoreline that spoiled the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Populaire Sud Ultras group. The match was also marked by heckling from Marseille fans invited by OGC Nice player Jérémie Boga. The Ivorian player later apologized for the incident on social media, “Believe me, at no time was my intention to disrespect Nice supporters. I also do not condone the mockery and disrespect towards OGC Nice.”

The straw that broke the camel’s back

The point of no return came with the defeat at Lorient in late November (3-1). A few hours after the defeat, 400 supporters of OGC Nice gathered at the training center to express their discontent with the players. According to information from Foot Mercato journalist Chemssdine Belgacem, “Terem Moffi and Jérémie Boga were physically assaulted by supporters while Florian Maurice (sporting director) also received blows“. Alleged assaults that led to the two players being placed on work leave.

A few days later, in a statement, the Populaire Sud Ultras group responded to the accusations: “during this spontaneous movement, the atmosphere was hostile. The chants were virulent. It would be dishonest to deny it. However, we categorically deny accusations of physical violence.” In the continuation of the statement, the group called for boycotting the next matches. (We) “no longer wish to travel to witness once again their scandalous behavior“. The boycott was also joined by the 1947 Supporters Club.

Faced with this delicate situation, OGC Nice coach Franck Haise expressed his desire to resign. The coach also submitted the idea to Fabrice Bocquet, club president and Florian Maurice, sporting director to step down from their positions. Fabrice Bocquet eventually left his position shortly before Christmas, replaced by former leaders, Jean-Pierre Rivère and Maurice Cohen. Shortly after, Franck Haise was removed from his position, making way for former club member Claude Puel.

Shortly after, in a statement dated December 31, the Populaire Sud announced its return for an OGC Nice trip to Toulouse, a sign of easing tensions between supporters and the club. Although the situation has improved, OGC Nice remains in the fight for survival just seven points from the play-offs, held by Auxerre.