France: court rules RC Lens illegally promoted to Ligue 1, the FFF files appeal

The administrative court of Besançon (FRA) overturned, on grounds of incompetence, the 28/07/2014 decision of the FFF (French Football Federation) which it had authorised the promotion of Racing Clubs Lens (FRA) into Ligue 1 for the 2014-15 season, the court announced on 29/01/2015. In the summer of 2014, the DNCG (French National Directorate of Management Control) had refused the promotion of RC Lens, due to budgetary reasons, on 27/06/2014, and denied an appeal on 15/07/2014.

"The administrative court could not overlook the fact that (2014-15) championship season is well under way. To reflect, as permitted by case law and the serious consequences of his judgment on the organisation of the (Ligue 1 and Ligue 2) championships, the court has ordered the cancellation of the (28/07/2014) decision of the FFF with a delayed effect at the end of the 2014-15 season," stated the administrative court of Besançon.

"The independence of the DNCG denies the possibility for the FFF to challenge (or change) decisions" (Administrative Court of Besançon on 29/01/2015)

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