Nicolaï steps down at Bastia

François Nicolaï has resigned as president of SC Bastia after a remarkable 48 hours during which he sacked his coach Gérard Gili and then reinstated him.

Gili criticism
Nicolaï has been in charge of Bastia since 1993 but earlier this week took exception when he was criticised by Gili. "He's nice enough, but this club needs another president," Gili said. "We must have a stronger president to grow."

Change of mind
Nicolaï reacted immediately and dismissed Gili on Monday. He appointed his assistants, Christophe Galtier and José Pasqualetti, as joint-coaches with immediate effect. But Nicolaï reversed his decision on Wednesday and subsequently announced, "I am leaving the club for personal reasons."

Coach reinstated
Nicolaï reinstated Gili, explaining: "Gérard Gili will stay here until the end of the season. I have made this decision in the best interests of the club to ensure we stay in Ligue 1." The Corsican club are currently 13th in the French top flight, seven points clear of the relegation zone.