Relegated Metz will have to play behind closed doors when they host Lorient in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

The French League imposed the punishment after Morocco defender Abdeslam Ouaddou, the Valenciennes captain, was racially abused by a fan in a league match at Metz in February.

The sanction had been lifted pending an appeal ruling by the French Olympic committee, which upheld the League's decision on Wednesday.

The decision ensured a dismal end to an equally uninspiring season for Metz, who have been rock-bottom of the table for most of the season.

With two matches of the season remaining, 19th-placed Strasbourg are likely to join them in Ligue 2 next season as they are five points from safety, while Toulouse, Lens and Coupe de la Ligue winners Paris-Saint Germain - all on 39 points - are battling each other to avoid finishing in the third relegation spot.

Reuters