OGC Nice conflict with Allianz Riviera operator continues after refusal to relay damaged pitch

OGC Nice’s first home game of the season, against Toulouse FC, almost didn’t go ahead last weekend, such was the state of the pitch. Much to the club’s shock, the operators of the stadium, Nice Eco Stadium, are now refusing to relay the pitch.

Local authorities, in the build-up to the match against Toulouse, which ended in a 1-1 draw, criticised the quality of the pitch, leading Nice Eco Stadium to respond, offering a set of mitigating circumstances such as the proliferation of a mushroom, the hot and humid conditions in the region, and the pitch’s overuse during the Olympics as reasons for the very visible damage to the turf at the Allianz Riviera.

That interaction was enough to elicit the concern of the LFP,  who travelled to the stadium, ultimately deeming it playable, despite the very visible damage. Nice manager Franck Haise described the playing surface as a “green car park”, adding that had he been consulted, the match would not have gone ahead.

The expectation was that, with no home matches until after the international break, the pitch would be relaid. However, Le Gym have now been informed that this won’t be the case.  In an official press release, the club have described the decision as “incomprehensible”, adding that the playing conditions during Nice-Toulouse were “unworthy of the world of professional football, all while putting the physical integrity of the players in danger.”

Les Aiglons then called on Nice Eco Stadium to listen to the calls, from the club and also the local authorities, to replace the damaged pitch, rather than trying to repair the current one – a decision they believe is being taken merely for economic purposes.

With a hectic schedule of Ligue 1 and UEFA Europa League matches set to be played at the Allianz Riviera in the coming weeks, OGC Nice have called on Nice Eco Stadium to reconsider their position “as soon as possible”. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Photo credit: Luke Entwistle