Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), has announced the establishment of Ligue 3, a new professional third tier that will take the place of the Championnat National starting from the 2026–27 season.
In an interview with Ouest-France, Diallo detailed the structure of this new competition, which will comprise 18 clubs, similar to Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. He noted, “The format will feature an 18-club competition, with two teams promoted to Ligue 2 and four clubs competing for promotion through play-offs.”
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Promotion System and Professional Status
In the updated format, two teams will receive automatic promotion, while an additional four clubs will participate in play-offs for a third promotion opportunity, enhancing competitiveness at the top tier. Significantly, Ligue 3 will be a fully professional league, moving away from the mixed status that characterized the National, which often led clubs to navigate the challenges of both amateur governance and professional obligations.
Diallo further confirmed that the FFF would offer financial support to all Ligue 3 teams, which is a crucial aspect of this reform. He remarked, “In this professional championship, the Federation will provide financial assistance to all clubs to ensure they can compete under favorable conditions.”
This centralized support is anticipated to assist clubs in managing operational expenses such as travel, staffing, and infrastructure—areas that have historically placed a strain on teams in the National league.