The news caused a stir in Nice and within the football world: after missing the boat during the 1998 Football World Cup, the city of Nice once again failed in constructing a new sports venue that OGC Nice should have benefited from.
It remains to be seen what will come out of the ongoing investigation so that there are no regrets about a project that smelled fishy from its inception and had a hard time winning over supporters who preferred their good old Stade du Ray, as well as some politicians who, according to club leaders, are behind the various problems of this project. Another question arises: Which politicians are most to blame, those incapable of drafting a solid bid or those finding necessary loopholes to request its cancellation?
This is a broad debate that ultimately yields the same result: OGC Nice finds itself once again “Without a Fixed Address” while waiting for projects brewing within the club’s environment that might bring a solution to consider a new stadium project, with ambitions less grandiose but undoubtedly more accessible.
We therefore meet Virginie Rossetti and Maurice Cohen, whom we thank for their collaboration, wishing them more peaceful days ahead and a great victory for the “Aiglons” against Lorient.
Nice Première: Virginie, how was the decision of the Aix-en-Provence Court of Appeal perceived by the club?
Virginie Rossetti: Everyone is shocked as we all find ourselves victims of this failure.
NP: What consequences could this new setback have on the entire club?
VR: As we have said and reiterated, since other clubs are building or about to build their big stadiums, we find ourselves in the scenario where the club ends up lagging behind the others… Hoping to become a “big club” by just relying on the Ray’s facilities is an illusion.
NP: This project seemed doomed to failure. In your opinion, what are the main reasons?
VR: I cannot comment on this point as I might stray off-topic since this failure is not due to OGC Nice… so the question should be addressed to the politicians.
NP: Lastly, give us some reassuring news about the red and black house?
VR: The team remains very united and gets along well… the training camp in Saint Martin has proven this once again… I remain positive and convinced that the results will follow and that we’ll emerge from this dark period.
Nice Première: Maurice Cohen, after the disappointment, how do you analyze this decision from the Aix-en-Provence Court of Appeal?
Maurice Cohen: I am devastated. As the Mayor said, nothing can be done in Nice anymore.
NP: And regarding the initiation of a preliminary investigation by the Public Prosecutor, Eric de Montgolfier?
MC: Two simultaneous procedures… we just realize we can’t do anything about it… except to acknowledge the failure.
NP: What are the current possibilities to see a new stadium in Nice?
MC: We are working on a plan B, meaning a stadium financed with our own funds alongside one or two partners such as the General or Regional Council.
NP: You have been quite harsh against the detractors of this project, do you maintain the same conviction today?
MC: The sole conviction was and still is that Nice deserved and needed a Grand Stadium…
NP: The Mayor of Nice announced some players were even considering leaving the club. Do you confirm or deny this statement?
MC: You can easily imagine the disappointment of some players who were promised a 32,000-seat stadium for next year…
NP: Finally, the recent results of OGC Nice are not very bright. What are your solutions to remedy the various deficiencies of the team?
MC: Continue to keep faith in our staff and team. The work will pay off.
