In light of the proportions the current situation has taken on, OGC Nice wishes to reiterate the specific circumstances surrounding Ali Abdi.

The club had entered into discussions with the Tunisian Football Federation to enable the player to be available for both relegation play-off matches with Le Gym. Ultimately, no agreement could be reached due to a schedule made extremely complex by FIFA dates.

Ali Abdi nevertheless insisted on being present for the first play-off match, confirming once again his commitment to the club and the squad.

He was forced to travel to Tunisia today to complete the administrative procedures relating to his visa for the United States and is determined to return to support his teammates in tomorrow’s return leg.

The current predicament stems from these obligations, in a situation where he has been faced with two conflicting imperatives. Between defending his club’s colours and honouring a call-up for the World Cup with his national team, the choice – both as a person and as a footballer – was particularly difficult.

Faced with the barrage of threats he is receiving on social media, the club calls on everyone to show restraint and respect towards a player who, just like the club, is a victim of these events.

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