OGC Nice Imposes Strict Discipline: Morning Check-Ins, No English
New OGC Nice sporting director Roger Ricort, returning after 17 years, has implemented strict disciplinary measures effective July 1, 2026. Players must clock in each morning, eat all meals together, and are banned from speaking English to encourage French learning and team cohesion. The rules, coordinated with coach Olivier Pantaloni, follow a poor season where Nice finished third-to-last in Ligue 1. Ricort aims to change the club's mentality and restore discipline.
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OGC Nice Imposes Strict Disciplinary Rules Including Ban on English
OGC Nice's new sporting director, Roger Ricort, has implemented a strict code of conduct for players, as reported by L'Équipe and Foot Mercato. Effective immediately, players must check in every morning upon arrival at the training center, eat all meals together, and are prohibited from communicating in English. Foreign players are encouraged to learn French to improve integration and team cohesion. Ricort, returning to the club after 17 years, stated, 'If we are to change, we must start with the mentality.' The new rules have been agreed upon with new coach Olivier Pantaloni. The measures aim to restore discipline as a core part of the club's project.
Nice Imposes Strict New Rules: Clocking In, Mandatory Meals, No English
OGC Nice, after a disappointing season where they finished third-to-last in Ligue 1 and narrowly avoided relegation via a playoff against Saint-Étienne, has implemented strict new rules to return to the top of French football. According to L'Équipe, sporting director Roger Ricort and new coach Olivier Pantaloni are demanding that players clock in upon arrival, always have meals together, and refrain from speaking English. The no-English rule is intended to ensure players learn the basics of the French language. The club aims to compete for European qualification again after a season far below expectations.
INEOS Sporting Director Bans English in OGC Nice Dressing Room
INEOS, the owner of Manchester United and OGC Nice, has implemented a controversial new policy at the French club. Newly appointed sporting director Roger Ricort has banned players from speaking English in the dressing room to encourage them to learn French. The rule is part of a broader set of strict disciplinary measures, including mandatory morning check-ins and group meals. Ricort, who previously held the same role at Nice from 2005 to 2009, is also holding individual meetings with senior players. The move is seen as another step by INEOS to reshape the culture within its multi-club network. The report, originally published by L'Equipe, comes as Nice prepares for the 2026/27 season. Separately, the article notes that INEOS recently dismissed Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and appointed Michael Carrick as his permanent successor.
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OGC Nice's New Sporting Director Bans English, Imposes Morning Check-Ins and Communal Meals
Roger Ricort, the newly appointed sporting director of OGC Nice, has implemented a series of strict disciplinary measures effective July 1, 2026. Players are required to check in every morning to prevent lateness, eat all meals together to foster group cohesion, and are banned from speaking English, forcing foreign players to learn French for better integration. Ricort, returning to the role after 17 years alongside president Maurice Cohen, stated, 'If we need to change, we have to start with the mentality.' The 67-year-old executive acknowledges his tenure is a short-term mission to stabilize the club, saying, 'I am aware that I am not the future of Nice, but I can be a good present.' The rules have been coordinated with coach Olivier Pantaloni.
OGC Nice's New Sporting Director Bans English, Imposes Morning Check-Ins and Mandatory Group Meals
Roger Ricort, the newly appointed sporting director of OGC Nice, took office on July 1, 2026, and immediately implemented a series of strict disciplinary measures. Players are now required to check in every morning to ensure punctuality, eat all meals together to foster team cohesion, and are banned from speaking English, forcing foreign players to learn French for better integration. Ricort, who returned to the role after 17 years alongside reinstated president Maurice Cohen, stated, 'If we need to change, we have to start with the mentality.' The 67-year-old executive acknowledged his tenure is a short-term mission to stabilize the club, saying, 'I am aware that I am not the future of Nice, but I can be a good present.' The rules aim to restore discipline and unity within the squad.
OGC Nice Imposes Morning Check-Ins and English Ban Under New Sporting Director Roger Ricort
Roger Ricort, returning as sporting director of OGC Nice after 17 years, has implemented strict new disciplinary measures for the club's players. In coordination with coach Olivier Pantaloni, Ricort now requires all players to clock in upon arrival each morning, eat meals together as a team, and refrain from speaking English. Additionally, Ricort conducts individual meetings with each player every morning. The measures apply to current players as well as those arriving or departing the club chaired by Maurice Cohen. Ricort stated, 'I don't like grand announcements, but if we need to change, we have to start with the mentality,' signaling a focus on discipline and team cohesion.