The INEOS Era Ends? 5 Shocking Updates On OGC Nice (Nice FC France) In The 2025-2026 Season

The future of OGC Nice, or 'Nice FC France' as they are often known internationally, is currently shrouded in uncertainty, making them one of the most compelling stories in European football right now. As of December 10, 2025, the club is navigating a period of significant transition both on and off the pitch, with a major ownership shift looming large over the French Riviera. The team is fighting for European qualification once again, but all eyes are on the boardroom as the Jim Ratcliffe/INEOS era appears to be drawing to a close.

Following a successful 2024-2025 campaign that saw them finish in the top four, the current season has been a test of resilience under manager Franck Haise. This article dives into the five most critical and up-to-date developments shaping the destiny of *Les Aiglons* (The Eaglets) in the 2025-2026 season.

OGC Nice Club Profile and Key 2025-2026 Personnel

OGC Nice, officially Olympique Gymnaste Club Nice Côte d'Azur, has a rich history dating back to 1904. The club is a foundational pillar of French football, and their recent resurgence has made them a consistent contender for European places.

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• Full Name: Olympique Gymnaste Club Nice Côte d'Azur
• Nickname: Les Aiglons (The Eaglets)
• Founded: 1904
• Stadium: Allianz Riviera (Capacity: 35,624)
• Owner: INEOS (Sir Jim Ratcliffe) – *Currently exploring a sale*
• President: Jean-Pierre Rivère
• Head Coach (Manager): Franck Haise (Appointed July 1, 2024)
• League: Ligue 1 (23rd consecutive season in the top flight)
• Major Honors: Four-time French Champions (Ligue 1), Three-time Coupe de France winners.

Key Players for the 2025-2026 Season (Top Entities)

The squad for the 2025-2026 season features a mix of established international talent and promising youth. The core attacking unit remains the focus of the team's strategy under Franck Haise.

• Terem Moffi: The Nigerian international forward is the team's primary goal threat and a central figure in their attack.
• Jeremie Boga: The Ivorian winger provides pace, flair, and creativity on the flanks, crucial for breaking down Ligue 1 defenses.
• Sofiane Diop: A dynamic midfielder/winger whose technical skill and vision are vital to linking midfield and attack.
• Melvin Bard: A solid and reliable presence at left-back, known for his defensive work rate and overlapping runs.
• Maxime Dupé: The experienced goalkeeper provides a calming presence between the posts.

1. The Shocking INEOS Exit: Sir Jim Ratcliffe Puts OGC Nice Up For Sale

The biggest news dominating the headlines is the imminent sale of OGC Nice by its owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, through his chemical company, INEOS. Ratcliffe, who acquired a minority stake in Manchester United, is reportedly shifting his focus and resources to the Premier League giant.

The billionaire is actively exploring a sale of his majority share, a decision that signals the end of the ambitious INEOS project on the French Riviera. This move comes despite INEOS having recently regained full operational control of the club at the start of the 2025-2026 season, after a period where multi-club ownership rules had complicated the relationship with Manchester United.

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The potential sale for an estimated €200 million has attracted interest from various parties, including reports of Saudi Arabian interest. The uncertainty surrounding the ownership is a major factor influencing the club's long-term planning and transfer strategy.

2. 2025-2026 Ligue 1 Standings: Fighting for European Spots Again

The 2024-2025 season saw OGC Nice finish a commendable fourth in the Ligue 1 table, securing a coveted spot in European competition. In the current 2025-2026 campaign, *Les Aiglons* are once again battling at the top end of the table.

Under the tactical guidance of Franck Haise, the team has shown a strong competitive edge, consistently challenging traditional powerhouses like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Olympique de Marseille, and AS Monaco. Their form has been characterized by a robust defensive structure—a hallmark of Haise's style—combined with the explosive counter-attacking potential of players like Moffi and Boga.

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The race for the top four remains fiercely contested, and maintaining their position through the winter break is critical for their European aspirations next season.

3. The Europa League 2025-2026 Campaign: A Return to Europe

The fourth-place finish in 2024-2025 earned OGC Nice a direct entry into the group stage of the UEFA Europa League 2025/2026. This return to European football is a vital step for the club's development, offering both prestige and crucial revenue.

The Europa League draw placed Nice in a challenging group, testing the depth and quality of the squad. Key fixtures, such as their recent match against Aston Villa, have been high-stakes affairs, demonstrating the team's ability to compete against top-tier European opposition. The performance in this competition is a litmus test for the club's progress and a major point of focus for the fans.

4. Franck Haise's Tactical Impact and Managerial Stability

The appointment of Franck Haise in July 2024 brought a new tactical philosophy to the Allianz Riviera. Haise, known for his successful tenure at RC Lens, has implemented a high-intensity, possession-based style of football.

His first full season (2024-2025) was seen as a transitional but ultimately successful one, culminating in the 4th place finish. The stability he provides on the bench is a necessary counterpoint to the turmoil in the boardroom. Haise's long-term contract, which runs until June 2029, is a rare sign of commitment in modern football, though the impending sale of the club could test this stability.

5. Transfer Strategy and Squad Development Focus

The 2025-2026 season transfer activity was necessarily cautious, influenced by the impending ownership change. The strategy focused on retaining key assets and making targeted adjustments rather than major spending sprees.

Notable departures included the end of loan spells for players like Morgan Sanson (returning to Aston Villa) and Romain Perraud (returning to Southampton FC). The club's focus has been on developing its existing young talent and maximizing the output from the current core squad. The ability to attract high-profile signings in the upcoming transfer windows will largely depend on the identity and ambition of the new owner. The current squad depth and the performance of entities like Abdelmonem, Abdi, and Bombito will be vital for the remainder of the season.