French football’s governing body, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), which oversees top-tier competitions like Ligue 1, confirmed its decision this Wednesday, May 27th, regarding the FC Nantes versus TFC fixture at La Beaujoire stadium. As widely anticipated, the match will not be replayed. However, the LFP’s choice to uphold the 0-0 scoreline from the 22nd minute when play was halted, rather than awarding TFC a 3-0 forfeit victory against FC Nantes, came as a slight surprise to many observers.

This outcome, though not a forfeit win, still propels TFC into 9th position, displacing Lorient. The “Violets” now stand at 45 points, matching Lorient’s tally, but they secure the higher spot due to a superior goal difference (3 compared to -1). This marks the highest league ranking achieved by the Toulouse club since the investment firm RedBird acquired a stake. It underscores a consistent upward trajectory for Toulouse over recent seasons. The LFP’s ruling ultimately does not hinder their progress, as even a 3-0 forfeit win would not have enabled them to overtake Strasbourg, currently in 8th place with 53 points.

“Following a review of the investigation report, the Commission has decided to definitively ratify the score recorded on the pitch at the time of the match’s permanent interruption (0-0).” This concise statement encapsulated the LFP’s late-Wednesday, May 27th announcement. In addition to this score confirmation, FC Nantes faces penalties for the disturbances that marred the 34th and final Ligue 1 matchday.

Stadium closure and fan ban, but no sporting points deduction

To recap the events, supporters had deployed pyrotechnic devices onto the playing field, causing the game to be halted before dozens of mostly masked ultras stormed the pitch. They bypassed overwhelmed stadium security personnel, expressing their strong disapproval of the club’s management following a season that culminated in the Breton team’s relegation.

The LFP has imposed the following penalties: “a one-match stadium closure for La Beaujoire, followed by a two-match ban for the Tribune Loire stand.” This specific stand was the point of entry for the protesting fans and is home to the “Brigade Loire,” one of FC Nantes’ prominent ultra groups. Consequently, FC Nantes will commence its Ligue 2 campaign without spectator support for its initial home fixture. However, the club can consider itself fortunate, as more severe sporting sanctions, such as a points deduction, had been a significant concern.