Le Mans FC secures Ligue 1 promotion after disciplinary ruling
The disciplinary board of France’s professional football league has ratified Le Mans FC’s 2-0 victory at Bastia, securing the club’s promotion to Ligue 1 exactly 16 years after their last top-flight appearance.
It is now official: Le Mans FC will compete in Ligue 1 next season. The Sarthois team finished second in the 2025-2026 Ligue 2 campaign following their 2-0 away win against Bastia on Saturday, May 9. The Professional Football League’s disciplinary committee confirmed this result on Wednesday, May 13, as announced by the club president to a crowd of 24,000 jubilant fans at the Marie Marvingt stadium.
Match outcome in question after controversial finale
The match’s conclusion was uncertain following an on-field disruption. Referee Ruddy Buquet halted play after Bastia supporters launched smoke bombs onto the pitch in stoppage time following Le Mans’ second goal. Though the referee initially indicated the game would not resume, he never officially concluded the match.
Disciplinary commission settles the score
Under these circumstances, the league’s disciplinary committee was tasked with determining the match’s outcome and potential sanctions against the Corsican club. Bastia’s supporters’ actions led to a 2-match stadium ban (one suspended) at their home ground, the Armand-Cesari stadium.