On Friday night, the National championship will close its doors with a 34th and final day that could bring its share of surprises, especially for two teams from the Paris region, Fleury (3rd) and Versailles (5th). The first can still grab a direct ticket to L2 (even if they were aiming for the playoffs) while the second can still believe in the promotion playoffs to the antechamber of L1 against Laval. Paris 13 Atletico (13th) has already secured their place.
From next season, starting on August 8th, the National will change its name to be called the League 3. This is the first time the FFF will organize a professional men’s championship. The implementation of this project, led by Marc Keller and Baptiste Malherbe, presidents of Strasbourg and Auxerre, respectively, is the result of a consultation involving National clubs, elected officials of the FFF executive committee, FFF services, and LFP services. This competition will bring some innovations in several areas.
Unprecedented refereeing with two challenges per match
The FFF has revealed an unprecedented measure in terms of refereeing in France with the “Football Video Support” allowed through the introduction of a 4th referee, as in L1 and L2. This video assistance system in refereeing will allow each coach to have “two challenges per match to request a review by video assistance on an action falling within the scope of the VAR protocol,” that is, goal, penalty, red card, and mistaken identity.
Ligue 1 + chosen as broadcaster
Starting from the beginning of August and for the next three seasons, all matches of the 18 clubs will be broadcast on Ligue 1 +, the LFP platform that has been broadcasting the top division since this season and will continue next season with some changes. The headline match of each matchday will be played on Thursday at 8:45 pm, while the other matches will take place simultaneously on Saturday at 3 pm. “The main premium match will be broadcast using five cameras,” said Marc Keller. It will kick off the Ligue 1 + weekend before a Saturday multiplex.
To further enhance the visibility of the championship, eight “eventful” matchdays will be scheduled at the beginning and end of the season, as well as during international breaks, allowing League 3 to benefit from weekends without competition with Ligue 1 and Ligue 2.
Federal aid that can reach up to 450,000 euros
The FFF is implementing an unprecedented financial support system. The dedicated budget for League 3 will amount to 12.3 million euros (compared to 5.8 million in 2025-26), with 70% being redistributed directly to clubs. The maximum amount of aid per club can reach 450,000 euros (compared to 180,000 euros in 2022-23 and 300,000 euros this season), including a new support policy for travel expenses for all clubs in the amount of 50,000 euros.
A format with extended playoffs
The top two teams at the end of the 34 days will be promoted directly to Ligue 2. Unlike recent years, the playoff spot for promotion to L2 will not be awarded to the third-placed team. The teams placed between 3rd and 6th will compete in promotional playoffs to determine the club that will face the 16th of Ligue 2 in a playoff (home and away) to try to be promoted. Finally, the bottom three clubs will be relegated to National 1 (formerly National 2). A new trophy, named the “Trophée de France,” will be awarded to the winner.
Parisian clubs approve
This new professional League 3 appeals to Parisian leaders. “It is a major advancement for French football, a unique opportunity to structure clubs and gain visibility through broadcasting on Ligue 1 + to take a step towards professionalism,” said Frédéric Pereira, president of Paris 13 Atletico. “We will also be able to showcase our territory. For us, who have risen from the district’s first division, who are a popular club, rooted in a popular neighborhood, it’s magnificent. But it will push us to increase our level of demand.”
From the FC Versailles perspective, there is also positivity in this new championship. “It is obviously great news because it confirms the professionalization of the National,” said Alexandre Mulliez, the club’s president from Yvelines. “It is a championship full of talents with leaders who are passionate about their club, and it is a good thing that we are given a real boost with better visibility and more financial benefits.” He added, “Even if it will disrupt some habits, especially regarding match scheduling, it is an opportunity that we must know how to appreciate.”
