FIFA rejects exemption, Nice and Saint-Étienne could be without World Cup-bound players for L1-L2 play-off | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, FIFA has rejected the LFP's request for an exemption, meaning Nice and Saint-Étienne cannot automatically use World Cup call-ups in the L1-L2 play-off. The ties on 26 and 29 May fall outside the international window.

The play-off pits Nice, 16th in Ligue 1, against Saint-Étienne, third in Ligue 2, for the final top-flight place next season. FIFA grants such waivers only for European finals.

Nice currently have Ali Abdi called by Tunisia, and Elye Wahi named by Ivory Coast and suspended for the first leg. Further squads from Senegal, Algeria, Ghana, Canada and Egypt are still to be confirmed.

For Saint-Étienne, Ben Old has been selected by New Zealand, with Augustine Boakye and Ebenezer Annan called by Ghana. The Ghana pair will not feature in Saturday's friendly against Mexico. In total, up to 12 players across both clubs could be affected.

Without an exemption, the clubs must now negotiate with the relevant federations in the hope of securing temporary release for these decisive matches. The 2026 World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July.

Source: L'Équipe