FIFA rejects Ligue 1 request over Hicham Boudaoui World Cup availability

OGC Nice could be forced to play their Ligue 1 relegation playoff matches without Algerian midfielder Hicham Boudaoui after FIFA rejected a request to delay the release of international players ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The issue has emerged because FIFA requires all players selected for the tournament to join their national teams by May 25, while the Ligue 1 relegation playoff matches are scheduled to take place on May 26 and 29.

Boudaoui’s situation has become one of the most closely watched cases, with the midfielder expected to join the Algerian national team during the same period.

According to information reported by L’Équipe, the Professional Football League requested an exceptional dispensation from FIFA that would have allowed Nice and AS Saint-Étienne to retain their international players beyond the official release deadline.

However, the request was rejected by football’s world governing body.

FIFA reportedly maintains that exemptions of this nature are only granted for continental or European finals, conditions that do not apply to relegation playoff fixtures in Ligue 1.

The decision represents a significant setback for Nice, who now appear likely to face the crucial two-legged playoff without one of their most influential players.

Boudaoui has played an important role for the French club and his possible absence would come at a critical moment in their battle to preserve their Ligue 1 status.

Following FIFA’s refusal, Nice and Saint-Étienne are now expected to begin negotiations directly with the national teams concerned in an effort to find a temporary solution.

The discussions are expected to take place with support from the French Football Federation and the Professional Football League as both clubs attempt to persuade national team coaching staffs to delay the arrival of certain players by a few days.

Attention is now turning towards the stance that Algeria coach Vladimir Petković and the Algerian Football Federation may take regarding Boudaoui’s availability.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether any compromise can be reached before the start of the World Cup preparation period.