It is out of the question to start over in N2; we’ve achieved our promotion to National.

AC Ajaccio Exclusion: A Controversial Decision by the French Football Federation

In a surprising move, the  French Football Federation (FFF)  has announced the complete exclusion of  AC Ajaccio  from all national football championships. This decision comes after the club had already faced demotion from  Ligue 2  to  National  at the start of the summer. Although  Boulogne  was prepared to replace Ajaccio in the second division, there are growing concerns regarding the decision-making process surrounding the  National 1  championship. Clubs and officials, especially from  FC Bobigny 93 , are expressing their frustration and calling for a clearer set of rules in the league.

One prominent voice in this debate is  Youssef Soukouna , better known as the artist  Sefyu . He has taken a stand against the FFF, claiming that the organization has yet to establish definitive rules for the composition of championships. “My vision is very simple: the FFF has not set up fixed rules to determine the limits of the composition of the championships,” he stated, emphasizing the lack of clarity in the governing body’s regulations.

Two-Tiered Justice System?

While the FFF defends its decision based on a deadline of  July 17 , which would prevent any club from being drafted post this date, Sefyu criticizes what he perceives as a  two-speed justice  system. “We are subject to the FFF regulations. The downside of Ajaccio in L2 was acted on August 7, about twenty days after the date of July 17,” he lamented. He pointed out the apparent ease with which Boulogne was drafted into Ligue 2, just a week before the season commenced.

For FC Bobigny 93, this situation raises questions. According to Sefyu, FC 93 could not have integrated into the  National 1  before the set deadline, as Ajaccio was pursuing all available appeals to extend the administrative processes. The juxtaposition between Boulogne’s entry and Bobigny’s exclusion sheds light on perceived inconsistencies in the FFF’s decision-making process.

Bobigny’s Bid for Fairness

In discussions with the FFF’s  Comex , FC Bobigny was informed that their situation differed from Boulogne’s solely due to the context of the league. Boulogne’s promotion involved the LFP (Ligue de Football Professionnel), which could request exemptions, something that FC Bobigny believed was not available to them. “I was told we have a variable geometry treatment,” Sefyu articulated, expressing disappointment over how clubs are treated based on their status.

Sefyu continued, questioning the FFF’s commitment to justice and equity. “The FFF wants to set up an autonomous, independent functioning, with its own rules, its own committee, but it is unable to assert justice,” he argued. FC Bobigny is currently awaiting a summons from the FFF and  DNCG  to present a new budget. Should this opportunity not arise, the club is prepared to explore all legal avenues, including  administrative court  and  CNOSF  appeals.

A Call for Change

As FC Bobigny navigates this challenging landscape, they assert their right to fair treatment, especially in comparison with other clubs. The question remains: “What is the judgment of the FFF and football bodies regarding suburban clubs?” Fans and stakeholders are beginning to wonder whether the treatment given to amateur versus semi-pro clubs is equitable.

FC Bobigny firmly believes it can sustain a third-division lifestyle, claiming readiness to ascend to the  National  division. “We asked the DNCG to allow us to present a viable budget for the National, something that was not granted,” Sefyu stated. Their dreams go beyond just staying afloat; they aim to have a presence in  Ligue 2  by 2027, and gaining that coveted spot would propel them closer to their objectives.

Support is rallying behind FC Bobigny from various corners, including local political figures and passionate fans. The club recently reached out to the FFF Comex seeking integration into the National league. The unfolding situation highlights the growing tension within French football’s governing bodies and emphasizes the urgent need for transparent rules that ensure all clubs are treated equitably.