Gazelec Ajaccio refused to play their opening National 1 match against Red Star on Friday in protest against a decision allowing Sochaux to remain in Ligue 2.

Despite finishing 16th in Ligue 2 last season, Sochaux were demoted to the third tier due to their financial situation in June. Gazelec were consequently due to retain their second-tier status despite suffering a play-off defeat against Le Mans, but Sochaux's sanction was overturned in July.

An appeal was subsequently lodged by Gazelec and with the case not yet settled they refused to field a team for the clash with Red Star.

 

August 2, 2019

It remains to be seen what action the French Football Federation take against Gazelec.