Le Mans FC secures Ligue 1 promotion after disciplinary ruling
Le Mans FC secures Ligue 1 promotion after disciplinary ruling
- Le Mans
Updated on 13 May 2026
The Ligue de Football Professionnel’s disciplinary board has officially ratified Le Mans FC’s victory over Bastia, confirming the Sarthe-based club’s return to Ligue 1 after 16 years in the lower divisions.
Official confirmation has arrived: Le Mans FC will compete in Ligue 1 next season. The club’s promotion was secured following a 2-0 away victory against Bastia on 9 May in the final matchday of the 2025-2026 Ligue 2 season.
The disciplinary board of the Ligue de Football Professionnel validated the match result on 13 May, just days after the on-pitch celebrations at the Marie Marvingt stadium drew 24,000 supporters. Club president made the announcement to the jubilant crowd, marking the end of a remarkable season.
The match’s outcome had been uncertain since the previous Saturday. Referee Ruddy Buquet had halted play after second-half stoppage time due to smoke bombs launched onto the pitch by Bastia supporters. While the official indicated the game would not resume, he never blew the final whistle.
In such cases, the disciplinary board is responsible for determining the match result and imposing sanctions. The Sporting Club de Bastia now faces two matches behind closed doors and one suspended match as punishment for their supporters’ actions.