OGC Nice and AS Saint-Etienne could be forced to play their decisive promotion-relegation play-off without several key players after FIFA rejected a request for special exemptions.
The two French clubs are set to meet in a crucial double-header on May 26 and 29, but the fixtures now risk being overshadowed by international call-ups ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to FIFA regulations, all selected players must report to their national teams by May 25, leaving clubs with little room to retain their internationals for domestic fixtures scheduled outside the official exemption window.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) had reportedly requested flexibility from FIFA in an effort to allow international players to participate in the French play-offs before joining their national squads.
However, FIFA declined the request, maintaining that only finals of official European club competitions qualify for such exceptions.
The decision could significantly affect both clubs ahead of what are among the most important matches of their season.
Nice are already expected to lose Ali Abdi, who is set to join Tunisia’s World Cup squad, while Hicham Boudaoui could also depart if selected by Algeria.
Saint-Etienne face a similar situation, with Ben Old anticipated to leave for international duty with New Zealand.
Several other players from both sides also remain uncertain as national team announcements approach.
Among those reportedly being monitored are Elye Wahi, who could receive a call-up from Ivory Coast, alongside Yehvann Diouf and Antoine Mendy for Senegal.
The situation leaves both clubs facing difficult decisions as they prepare for a high-stakes encounter that could define their immediate futures.
Club officials are now expected to open discussions directly with the affected national federations in the hope of finding compromises that would allow some players to remain available for at least part of the play-off campaign.
With promotion, survival and significant financial consequences at stake, the absence of several international players could have a major influence on the outcome of the tie.
The controversy also highlights the growing scheduling tensions between domestic competitions and the increasingly demanding international football calendar.
