January 20 – French soccer’s third tier is about for a dramatic makeover, with the Fédération Française de Soccer (FFF) asserting plans to rework the Championnat Nationwide into knowledgeable Ligue 3 by the 2026-2027 season.
The choice, confirmed at Thursday’s government committee assembly in Paris, marks a big shift for the decrease tiers of French soccer. FFF president Philippe Diallo described the transfer as a “essential innovation” lengthy sought by the golf equipment at present competing in Nationwide 1.
“Marc Keller, accompanied by a bunch of elected representatives, will conduct work, consultations, to rework the Nationwide 1 into knowledgeable Ligue 3 inside the French Soccer Federation, an important innovation requested for a very long time by the golf equipment taking part within the Nationwide, with a launch goal in 2026-2027,” Diallo informed L’Équipe.
He additionally hinted at huge adjustments for the competitors’s construction and attraction. Presently, Championnat Nationwide broadcasts depend on the FFF’s in-house manufacturing capabilities, however the creation of Ligue 3 may convey alternatives for TV rights financing, boosting publicity and income.
The league will purpose to be sustainable, appeal to native expertise, and keep away from the pitfalls of monetary mismanagement. Measures comparable to a wage cap and restrictions on employees numbers are anticipated to stage the taking part in subject and guarantee stability.
Nevertheless, not everyone seems to be absolutely on board. Whereas Ligue de Soccer Professionnel (LFP) president Vincent Labrune has by no means outright opposed Ligue 3, he has beforehand warned that the mission is unlikely to obtain monetary help from the LFP.
The FFF envisions Ligue 3 as a platform for homegrown expertise, strengthening the pipeline to Ligue 2 and Ligue 1. Diallo pressured the significance of giving Keller and his crew “carte blanche” to innovate, suggesting that daring concepts may form this new league’s id.
Presently, 18 golf equipment compete within the Championnat Nationwide. AS Nancy leads the desk, with Boulogne within the second automated promotion place. For golf equipment like these, the transition to knowledgeable third tier may convey each challenges and alternatives.
If profitable, Ligue 3 may change into a defining second within the evolution of French soccer—a mix of innovation, native delight, {and professional} ambition designed to bridge the hole between grassroots and the elite. Whether or not it would reside as much as its lofty targets stays to be seen, however for now, the blueprint for a daring new period is taking form.
Contact the author of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1737387920labto1737387920ofdlr1737387920owedi1737387920sni@g1737387920niwe.1737387920yrrah1737387920