The professional football disciplinary committee confirmed Le Mans FC’s 2-0 victory at Bastia on the final day of Ligue 2, sealing the club’s historic promotion to Ligue 1 after 16 years away from the top flight.
Le Mans FC’s long-awaited return to France’s top football division is now official. The team from the Sarthe region secured second place in the 2025-2026 Ligue 2 season following their commanding 2-0 win over Bastia on 9 May. The outcome remained uncertain until Wednesday 13 May, when the Ligue de Football Professionnel’s disciplinary committee formally validated the result and announced the promotion.
The decision followed a dramatic finish to the Bastia match. Referee Ruddy Buquet halted play after smoke bombs were thrown onto the pitch following Le Mans FC’s second goal in stoppage time. While he never blew the final whistle to end the contest, the match result was left in limbo, placing the decision squarely in the hands of the disciplinary body.
The committee ruled on the incident and the match outcome, imposing sanctions on Bastia. The Corsican side faces two closed-door matches and one suspended match at their home stadium, Armand-Cesari.
From Division d’Honneur to Ligue 1
This promotion marks the culmination of an extraordinary journey for Le Mans FC. After years of struggle and a fall to the lower divisions, the club has fought its way back to the elite, demonstrating resilience and determination throughout the season. The team’s performance and consistency earned them the right to return to Ligue 1, thrilling fans in the process.
A season to remember
The 2025-2026 Ligue 2 campaign has been one for the history books. Le Mans FC, a promoted side, defied expectations with a series of impressive victories, securing their place among France’s top clubs. Their success reflects the hard work of players, coaching staff, and the entire club ecosystem.
