The Professional Football League (LFP), the governing body for top-tier French football competitions including Ligue 1, issued a statement this Wednesday, May 27th, to confirm the outcome of the halted match between FC Nantes and TFC at the Beaujoire stadium. While it was expected that the fixture would not be replayed, the decision to uphold the goalless draw (0-0) that stood at the 22nd minute when the game was suspended, rather than imposing a 3-0 forfeit defeat on FC Nantes, came as a slight surprise.

Nevertheless, this result allows TFC to climb to the 9th position, displacing Lorient. With this draw, the Violets now have 45 points, matching the Merlus, but they surpass them thanks to a superior goal difference (3 versus -1). This marks the highest ranking achieved by the Toulouse club since RedBird’s investment. It signifies a continued and consistent progression for Toulouse in recent seasons. The LFP’s decision does not penalize them in this regard, as even a 3-0 victory by forfeit would not have enabled them to catch Strasbourg, who remain 8th with 53 points.

“After reviewing the instruction report, the Commission decided to definitively ratify the score acquired on the field at the moment of the definitive interruption of the match (0-0).” This concise statement from the LFP summarized its decision, released late this Wednesday, May 27th. In addition to this ruling, sanctions were imposed on FC Nantes for the disturbances that occurred during this 34th and final day of Ligue 1.

a match behind closed doors, no sporting penalties

To recap, supporters had launched pyrotechnic devices onto the pitch, interrupting the game to invade the playing area. Dozens of ultras, most of them hooded, then rushed onto the grass, unchecked by seemingly helpless stewards, to protest against their club’s management following a season that concluded with the Breton club’s relegation.

The LFP announced the following penalty: “a one-match closure of the Stade de la Beaujoire to the public, followed by the closure of the Tribune Loire for two additional matches.” It was from this very stand that the protestors descended. This section of the stadium is also home to the “Brigade Loire,” one of FC Nantes’ prominent ultras groups. Consequently, FC Nantes will commence its Ligue 2 season without the backing of its home crowd, but the club can consider itself fortunate, as more severe sporting sanctions, including a points deduction, had been a significant concern.