The Nice GOC is approaching the 2025-2026 season in a context of significant challenges. After an early elimination in the Champions League and a reversal in the Europa League against Benfica, the team finds itself with a smaller staff and a persistent uncertainty despite a substantial financial investment from Ineos. Coach Franck Haise highlighted the difficulty of competing at the highest level, while focusing on improving performance in the Europa League. The preparation of the championship is, however, compromised by numerous absences and departures of key players, making the niçois group more fragile than ever.

In parallel to these sporting difficulties, the OGC Nice is undergoing an institutional upheaval with the departure of Jean-Pierre Rivère after fourteen years as president. He will be replaced by Fabrice Bocquet, current Managing Director, effective August 20, while becoming President of the Club Endowment Fund. Ineos’ investment was strengthened with an increase in social capital, which, according to some observers, could facilitate future resale of the club. Although Jim Ratcliffe denied these rumours, Ineos’ long-term strategy remains open to questioning, given its other major sporting commitments.

The 2025-2026 season therefore begins in a climate of uncertainty, both in sport and in institutional terms. Franck Haise will have to deal with a diminished and incomplete workforce, while behind-the-scenes discussions focus on the departure of the historic president and questions around Ineos. The answer to these challenges will probably be visible in the first weeks of the championship, especially during the home match against Toulouse, a team whose preparation was particularly difficult. The outcome of this first game will give a first glimpse of the Aiglons’ ability to meet these challenges.