Luzenac Denied Ligue 2 Promotion Despite DNCG Approval
In a surprising and disappointing turn of events, Luzenac AP, the small club that had fought its way to Ligue 2, has once again seen its promotion blocked—this time by the LFP (Ligue de Football Professionnel).
Despite a favorable decision from the DNCG (financial watchdog of French football) earlier this week, the LFP Board of Directors has ruled that Luzenac will not play in Ligue 2. The main reason cited: failure to secure a stadium that meets Ligue 2 standards.
In a formal statement, the LFP said:
“For several months, the club has been informed on numerous occasions that it must have, in the event of promotion, a stadium that meets the standards to play in Ligue 2… Despite multiple reminders, the club has not made the necessary arrangements nor proposed a compliant fallback stadium.”
The League emphasized that its primary responsibility is to ensure public safety and guarantee optimal playing conditions for all teams in professional competition. Given Luzenac’s inability to meet stadium requirements, the Board claims it had no choice but to reject the club’s entry into Ligue 2.
This decision affects not only the club’s players and staff but also fans and community members who had celebrated the historic promotion. Among those most impacted is Senah Mango, the Togolese international and defensive pillar of the team, who now sees his ambition of playing in Ligue 2 denied by administrative barriers rather than sporting failure.
Luzenac’s promotion saga is likely to continue in courtrooms and public debate, as many see this as an example of football bureaucracy stifling small clubs’ dreams.
