The administrative court of Nîmes suspended, on Friday, April 24, 2026, the prefectural order that prohibited the displacement of AS Cannes supporters. This decision sparked opposing reactions from both clubs, just hours before a crucial match for promotion to League 3 (formerly National).
Just hours before kick-off, the situation surrounding supporters animated the pre-match between Nîmes and Cannes. On Friday, the administrative justice suspended the prefectural order that banned the displacement of Cannes supporters, reshuffling the deck urgently as the match organization was already set.
Saturday morning, Nîmes Olympique maintained its position. The club explained that it had abided by the rules when tickets went on sale. “The club wishes to remind that it acted in strict compliance with the current administrative decisions,” they wrote in a statement.
In this context, Nîmes asserts that no changes will be allowed. “No last-minute modifications will permit the integration of Cannes supporters,” the club emphasized. They also stressed one point: “The security of everyone is an absolute priority.”
On the other hand, AS Cannes quickly responded. In a statement released at 1 p.m., the club expressed satisfaction with the decision to enforce the obligation to accommodate their supporters in a secure area. The club also thanked various entities, such as the Association Nationale des Supporters and the FFF, for their roles in this situation.
Despite the tensions, Cannes supporters are authorized to travel. The club specified that only bus transportation is allowed. “No other vehicle will be able to access the Stade des Antonins,” the statement indicated. Beyond the controversy, the sporting stakes are significant. Nîmes welcomes Cannes on Saturday at 6 p.m. in a packed Stade des Antonins with 8,000 expected spectators.
In the standings, Cannes leads with 51 points, followed closely by Nîmes with 50 points. A victory could propel the Crocos to the top, while a defeat could complicate the end of the season. This match resembles a final and could have a significant impact on the race for promotion to League 3 (formerly National).
