For several days, a growing tension has emerged around the GOC Nice, culminating with the launch of a petition asking INEOS to leave the club. This initiative, initiated by supporters via the platform change.org, has already collected more than 1,400 signatures in a few days. The challenge is fueled on several fronts: persistent criticism of sport management, anger towards management and growing concern about the future of the team. This mobilization comes after a series of sporting disillusionments, including a recent defeat against Toulouse, the third consecutive setback in official competition, which provoked the indignation of fans in the stands of the Allianz Riviera.

The supporters’ grievances are multiple and revolve around a sense of abandonment on the part of INEOS, the club’s owner since 2019. They blame the management for moving away from the values and identity of the club, illustrated by the controversy surrounding the new jerseys of the season. Moreover, the perceived lack of investment, particularly in summer mercato, is a source of deep discomfort. Supporters believe that INEOS’ interest is now focused on Manchester United, and that the GOC Nice has become a simple means of supporting this group. Past statements by the owner of Manchester United, Jim Ratcliffe, minimizing the level of the Nice GOC, have particularly shocked and reinforced this sense of disconnection.

In the face of this situation, the signatories of the petition call for a radical change: the rapid search for a buyer for the club. They believe that this measure would help relieve the Nice GCO of unbearable weight and ensure a more promising future. Despite the lack of a formal response from management or INEOS, the pressure is rising considerably. The disappointing sporting results, the lack of confidence in strategic choices and the gap with supporters suggest an uncertain future for the club under the supervision of INEOS. Hope reborn even around a possible return of Jean-Pierre Rivère, former president of the club, although his return is considered complicated for this year.