Ineos to retain OGC Nice ownership; Olivier Pantaloni leads coaching race
Ineos has ended sale discussions for OGC Nice. Olivier Pantaloni is now the frontrunner for the head coach position, with Geoffrey Moncada expected to join in July.
The Ineos era at OGC Nice is set to continue. Despite widespread expectations of a takeover, the British petrochemical group led by Jim Ratcliffe has ended talks with prospective buyers. The deal with an Anglo-Saxon investment fund, which appeared close to completion, was officially terminated on Friday.
Management confirmed that the club will maintain its current strategic direction, which focuses on cost reduction. Maurice Cohen will remain at the helm as the delegated vice-president, continuing the operational role he has held since January.
The club is also finalizing changes to its sporting department. Geoffrey Moncada, whose contract with AC Milan expires on June 30, is expected to join in July. His arrival remains unaffected by the change in ownership status.
Regarding the coaching vacancy, Claude Puel will leave the club upon the expiration of his contract. The board previously explored hiring Liam Rosenior, but the coach declined as he intends to take a break from management. Currently, Olivier Pantaloni has emerged as the frontrunner for the position after successfully leading FC Lorient to a 10th-place finish in Ligue 1.