OGC Nice President Quits Ciotti’s 2026 Election List

(Nice, France, January 20, 2026) – Jean-Pierre Rivère, president of OGC Nice, has withdrawn from Eric Ciotti’s list for the upcoming 2026 municipal elections, a move prompted by concerns over a potential conflict of interest related to his role with the football club.

Rivère’s withdrawal removes a key figure from Ciotti’s campaign as the election nears, but he will remain involved in a different capacity.

• Jean-Pierre Rivère has stepped down as a candidate for first deputy mayor on Eric Ciotti’s list.
• The withdrawal stems from a potential legal challenge regarding a conflict of interest between his role as president of OGC Nice and a potential position in local goverment.
• Rivère will now serve as president of Ciotti’s campaign committee and, if Ciotti wins, will be appointed a special advisor.

Rivère was slated to become first deputy to UDR-RN candidate Eric Ciotti if the campaign was accomplished, but concerns were raised in recent days by supporters of outgoing mayor Christian Estrosi, according to reports. They argued that Rivère’s position as president of a Ligue 1 club could create a conflict of interest, and threatened to contact the prefect, a regional administrator representing the French state.

Rivère briefly stepped down as president of OGC Nice in August 2025, handing the role to Fabrice Bocquet, before returning during the winter break, as the club faced a crisis. He resigned from his position with the club last December due to that crisis, according to reporting from La Dépêche.

“Even if there was only a slight legal risk, he refused to impose the slightest uncertainty on the team gathered around Éric Ciotti and on the project carried out for Nice and the metropolis,” the MP’s campaign team stated in a press release.

Rivère will no longer be a candidate for first assistant, but will instead lead Ciotti’s campaign committee through the March 15 and 22 elections. Should Ciotti win, Rivère will be appointed as a special advisor.

Ciotti addressed the situation in a video posted to his social media account, stating, “Some wanted to attack us, some wanted to avoid their electoral defeat by trying to win on other grounds wich go against the interests of Nice and our club. We take note of this.”

Why It Matters

Conflict of Interest – French law closely regulates potential conflicts of interest for elected officials. Rivère’s dual role raised concerns about impartiality and fairness.

Political Scrutiny – Opponents of Ciotti’s campaign highlighted the issue, threatening to involve regional authorities and perhaps triggering a legal review.

Football & Politics – The case demonstrates the notable influence of local football clubs like OGC Nice within the community and their intersection with political life.

Time.news based this report in part on reporting by Le Figaro and La Dépêche and added autonomous analysis and context.

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