French clubs are still unsure when they will play again, though next season may see 22 in the top flight
As the football lamps flicker back on across Europe, France remains in the dark. A glimmer of clarity came on Tuesday as the country’s highest administrative court upheld the decision made in April to terminate the Ligue 1 and 2 seasons but, with Germany, Italy and Spain having already returned to action and the Premier League due to restart on Wednesday, French football clubs are still not sure when and how they will play again.
Three clubs – Lyon, Amiens and Toulouse – had been so angered by the cancellation of the season and the “arbitrary and unfair” decision to determine the final standings on a points-per-game basis, that they sought legal recourse. Lyon argued that the league should have instead waited and explored ways of bringing campaigns to a natural conclusion without jeopardising public health or, failing that, simply voided the season. But on Tuesday the Conseil d’État declared that the league had been within its rights to wind the season up as it did – but suspended the relegations of Amiens and Toulouse, at least until the league determined the structure under which the top tiers will resume. That opens up the possibility of Ligue 1 being expanded to 22 teams next season, with Amiens and Toulouse staying put while Lorient and Lens are promoted.
Related: As infighting engulfs Ligue 1, Nice CEO Bob Ratcliffe plots a way forward
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