INEOS’ sale of OGC Nice falls through | OneFootball

INEOS’ sale of OGC Nice has fallen through, Nice-Matin understands. A deal for an American buyer to take over the Ligue 1 club was close.

Nice’s future has been in suspense for many months. It has been over a year that the INEOS-owned club has been up for sale, with the owners mandating Lazard to find a buyer. For several months, American interest had been touted. However, with the club sliding into a relegation battle, the deal did not progress. Le Gym’s status in the top flight for next season was secured thanks to a 4-1 win over AS Saint-Étienne in the promotion/ relegation play-off at the end of May. 

Nice had set a deadline of 15th June to get a deal over the line, and all of the signs were positive. The new investors had even visited the club’s training ground, however, the deal has fallen through. The decision was confirmed by Jean-Claude Blanc on Friday. Nice-Matin state that “financial safety and sporting stability” weren’t assured by the prospective new investors. 

INEOS, who also have a minority share at Manchester United, are now preparing as though they will still be the club’s owners next season, although they remain open to a sale. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle