The LFP, governing body for top-tier French football competitions including Ligue 1, issued a statement this Wednesday to confirm the result of the abandoned match between FC Nantes and Toulouse FC at the Beaujoire stadium. As expected, the game will not be replayed, but the decision to uphold the 0-0 score recorded at the 22nd minute—rather than award Nantes a 3-0 forfeit win—came as a mild surprise.

No sporting sanctions, but closed-door match

Recall that supporters had thrown pyrotechnics onto the pitch to halt the game, followed by dozens of masked ultras storming the field in protest against their club’s leadership, after Nantes’ relegation was confirmed. The LFP imposed the following sanctions: “a firm closed-door match at the Beaujoire stadium, followed by the closure of the Loire stand for two additional matches.” This is the same stand from which the protesters descended, home to the “Brigade Loire,” one of Nantes’ ultra groups. Nantes will kick off their Ligue 2 season without fan support, though they can consider themselves fortunate, as sporting penalties, including point deductions, had been a real possibility.

The outcome grants Toulouse a 9th-place finish, displacing Lorient. With 45 points—matching Lorient’s tally—the Violets leapfrog them thanks to a better goal difference (+3 vs -1). This marks Toulouse’s highest league position since RedBird’s investment in the club, continuing a steady upward trend in recent seasons. The LFP’s decision does not harm their progress, as even a 3-0 forfeit win would not have allowed them to overtake Strasbourg in 8th place with 53 points.

The LFP’s statement concluded: “After reviewing the investigation report, the Commission has decided to definitively uphold the score recorded at the moment the match was definitively abandoned (0-0).” This concise phrasing capped a late-breaking decision issued this Wednesday.