OGC Nice is at the center of a controversy relating to player Ali Abdi. The Tunisian international left for Tunisia this week to prepare for the World Cup, while Nice prepares for a crucial game against AS Saint-Étienne, in the fight to stay in Ligue 1. According to the French press, Nice tried to keep the 31-year-old full-back in France, so that he could participate in the two qualifying games against Saint-Étienne. The first match ended in a goalless draw, so the second match, scheduled for this Friday, is decisive.
The club issued a statement revealing that talks had been held with the Tunisian federation so that Abdi could be available for the playoffs. "An agreement could not be reached due to the extremely complex timetable that FIFA has set," Nice said, referring to FIFA's May 25 deadline for releasing players for the World Cup.
"Ali Abdi, however, insisted on being present for the first game of the qualifiers, demonstrating once again his dedication to the club and the team. He had to travel to Tunisia to complete administrative procedures relating to his American visa and is determined to return to support the team in the second game."
Nice also reported that Abdi was the target of a series of threats on social media, which led the club to publicly defend the player. Tunisian coach Sabri Lamouchi also spoke about the situation on Thursday night, confirming that Nice's sporting director, Florian Maurice, contacted him personally to ask Abdi to stay longer at the club. "Yes, Florian Maurice called me, but I didn't give my permission. FIFA rules favor the national teams. Nice's situation makes me sad, but if I had said 'yes', the Tunisian fans wouldn't have been happy. Everyone has their own interests. It's not Tunisia's fault, there are rules. Nice pays his salary, so what they're doing is legitimate. I respect Nice."
Tunisia will compete in the group stage of the World Cup against teams from the Netherlands, Sweden and Japan.