Four days after the dramatic conclusion to their season, Le Mans FC has officially secured promotion to Ligue 1. The Sarthois finished second in the 2025-2026 Ligue 2 campaign, clinching the top-two spot with a 2-0 away win against Bastia on Saturday, May 9. The Professional Football League’s disciplinary committee formally ratified this result on Wednesday, May 13, just hours after the club president announced the news to the 24,000-strong crowd celebrating at the Marie Marvingt stadium.

Match interrupted by crowd disturbances

The outcome of the decisive match had remained uncertain since Saturday evening. Referee Ruddy Buquet had halted play after smoke bombs were thrown onto the pitch following Le Mans FC’s second goal in stoppage time. He had indicated an hour later that the match would not resume, yet never blew the final whistle.

In such cases, the disciplinary committee is responsible for determining the match result and any sanctions against the visiting club. Bastia SC has been handed a two-match stadium ban and one suspended match behind closed doors at the Armand-Cesari stadium.