After experiencing violence at the end of November outside the OGC Nice training center, Terem Moffi and Jérémie Boga have initiated proceedings with the Professional Football League. The two players, on medical leave since the incidents, are requesting the termination of their contracts. The case will be reviewed by the LFP’s legal commission.
The crisis at OGC Nice is entering a new legal phase. The forwards Terem Moffi and Jérémie Boga have appealed to the legal commission of the Professional Football League to request the termination of their contracts. This information was confirmed on Monday by the LFP and by sources close to the case. Both Nice players have been on medical leave since experiencing violence from supporters.
The events date back to the end of November. On the night of November 30th to December 1st, nearly 200 ultra-supporters of OGC Nice gathered outside the club’s training center. This mobilization followed a defeat in Ligue 1 with a score of 3-1 in Lorient. Players and officials were returning from that trip to Brittany.
According to several witnesses present during these incidents, Terem Moffi and Jérémie Boga were targeted. Sporting director Florian Maurice was also among those confronted. The exchanges escalated. Both forwards were then placed on medical leave. A complaint against unknown persons was filed by the two players following these events.
A first step before the legal commission
The procedure initiated by Terem Moffi and Jérémie Boga goes through the LFP’s legal commission. This body is to examine the contract termination requests. The League specified the timetable. “The case is on the agenda for the legal commission’s next meeting on Thursday,” stated the LFP, confirming information revealed by L’Équipe.
At this point, no final decision is expected at this meeting. This step corresponds to a mandatory procedure. A conciliation phase is then to be proposed to the two players and OGC Nice. This phase aims to reach an agreement between the parties before any more binding decision.
Nevertheless, referring the matter to the legal commission marks a turning point. Such an approach remains rare in French professional football. The termination request comes in a context of deep tensions between part of the supporters and the professional squad.
The club claims to be a victim and files a complaint
OGC Nice has responded in legal terms. The club claims to be a victim and not responsible for the violence occurring outside the training center. A complaint has also been filed by the Nice management. The procedure is underway, with no individual implication at this stage.
The incidents have had significant internal consequences. The club’s CEO, Fabrice Bocquet, resigned immediately afterward. Jean-Pierre Rivère and Maurice Cohen were appointed to lead the club. This change occurs in a deteriorating sporting context.
In terms of results, OGC Nice occupies the 14th place in the Ligue 1 standings. Their European campaign ended prematurely with an elimination in the Europa League. These elements affected the decisions made by the shareholders and management.
Coach Franck Haise has been dismissed. The club decided to recall Claude Puel to take the position. This return marks an attempt at sporting and institutional stabilization, even as the situation remains tense.
The Professional Football League is closely monitoring the case. The legal commission will need to evaluate the evidence provided by the players and the club. The violence suffered by players in a context related to their professional activity raises sensitive legal issues. The law surrounding sports employment is at the heart of the procedure.
Terem Moffi and Jérémie Boga have not resumed competition since the incidents. Their medical leave continues. The sporting situation of the two forwards remains uncertain, as does the outcome of the initiated procedure.
The announced conciliation phase could open several scenarios. An amicable agreement remains possible. The pursuit of the procedure before the competent bodies is also conceivable in case of failure. The precise timeline will depend on the exchanges between the parties.
