OGC Nice fined by FIFA in conflict with RAC Abidjan | OneFootball

According to a report by L’Équipe, FIFA has asked OGC Nice to pay nearly €100,000 to Ivorian club RAC Abidjan after football’s governing body ruled partially in favour of the African side.

FIFA did not believe itself competent to rule on other aspects of the case, such as the unilateral decision to end the partnership between the two clubs in December 2023, but it did decide that Nice had to compensate RAC for the sales of Ange Ahoussou to Pau FC and Jean M’Guessan to FC Metz who were sold in the 2023 summer transfer window.

The partnership between the two clubs meant that Nice were supposed to pay 30% interest to RAC on players linked with the Ivorian side. However, the French side have not yet done so, despite the sales of both Ahoussou and M’Guessan.

FIFA have passed their decision down to the French Football Federation and if Nice do not pay RAC then the club could face a transfer ban. L’Équipe further notes that FIFA want to be paid by Nice €10,650 for the cost of the proceedings.

OGC Nice end partnership with RAC after ‘significant financial and reputational losses’

The partnership between the two clubs was ended suddenly with Le Gym explaining that “Despite an investment of 4.8 million, RAC did not complete the training centre as agreed, which resulted in significant financial and reputational losses for Nice and its shareholder INEOS.” In July 2023, an audit was carried out by the KPMG firm following a request from Nice, where suspicions of mismanagement of funds were raised.

Nice did not respond to the French outlet’s questions on the ruling. The French club are reportedly waiting on a response from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) who are looking at both cases.

GFFN | Nick Hartland