2023–24 Championnat National 3

Last updated
Championnat National 3
Season 2023–24
Dates27 August 2023 to 19 May 2024
Promoted11 teams
See Season outcomes section
Relegated34 teams
See Season outcomes section
Biggest home win Rennes (res) 9–0 Cercle Paul Bert Bréquigny
Group E, Game week 2, 2 September 2023
Vannes 10–1 Cercle Paul Bert Bréquigny
Group E, Game week 15, 3 February 2024
Highest scoring Reims (res) 9–2 Belfort
Group I, Game week 2, 2 September 2023
Vannes 10–1 Cercle Paul Bert Bréquigny
Group E, Game week 15, 3 February 2024
2024–25
All statistics correct as of 22:36, 5 February 2024 (UTC).

The 2023-24 Championnat National 3 is the seventh season of the fifth tier in the French football league system in its current format. For this season only, the competition is contested by 154 clubs split geographically across 11 groups of 14 teams. The teams include amateur clubs (although a few are semi-professional) and the reserve teams of professional clubs. The competition starts on 27 August 2023 and is scheduled to end on 19 May 2024. [1]

Contents

Teams

On 13 July 2023, the FFF ratified the constitution of the competition, and published the groups, although there were still some issues to be resolved at the time of publishing. [2]

Changes from the 2022–23 season were as follows:

Teams joining the division
Teams promoted to Championnat National 3
RegionTeamMethod of qualification
Nouvelle-Aquitaine Chauray Champion, R1 Group A
Panazol Champion, R1 Group B
Saint-Paul-lès-Dax Champion, R1 Group C
Pays de la Loire Les Sables-d'Olonne Champion, R1 Group A
La Châtaigneraie Champion, R1 Group B
Château-Gontier Best runner-up
Centre-Val de Loire Mainvilliers Champion, R1
Moulon Bourges Second, R1
Vineuil Third, R1
Corse SC Bastia (res)Champion, R1 Corse
Méditerranée Cagnes-sur-Mer Champion, R1 Méditerranée
Fos-sur-Mer Second, R1 Méditerranée [a]
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté ASPTT Dijon Champion, R1 Group A
La Chapelle-de-Guinchay Champion, R1 Group B
Vesoul Champion, R1 Group C
Grand Est FC Métropole Troyenne Champion, R1 Group A
Thionville Champion, R1 Group B
Strasbourg Koenigshoffen Champion, R1 Group C
Occitanie Montferrier-sur-Lez Champion, R1 Group A
Saint-Estève Champion, R1 Group B
Blagnac Champion, R1 Group C
Hauts-de-France Pays du Valois Champion, R1 Group A
Saint-Amand-les-Eaux Champion, R1 Group B
Pays de Cassel Champion, R1 Group C
Normandy Flers Champion, R1 Group A
Houlgate Champion, R1 Group B
ASPTT Caen Best Runner-up
Brittany Ergué-Gabéric Champion, R1 Group A
Stade Pontivyen Champion, R1 Group B [b]
Cercle Paul Bert Bréquigny Champion, R1 Group C
Paris Île-de-France Chatou Champion, R1 Group A
Neuilly-sur-Marne Champion, R1 Group B
Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône Best Runner-up
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Espaly-Saint-Marcel Champion, R1 Group A
Olympique de Valence Champion, R1 Group B
Chassieu Champion, R1 Group C
  1. Originally, ES Saint-Zacharie were promoted, however they were given a points deduction by the league after the end of the season. [5]
  2. Originally Redon.
Teams leaving the division

AS Béziers

Having been denied promotion, Béziers were placed in Group A when the groups were announced. Subsequently, on 20 July 2023, the DNCG announced Béziers would be downgraded to Régional 1 for financial irregularities. [11] An appeal followed, which was confirmed as unsuccessful on 31 July 2023. [12] Because the decision came after the constitution of the competition was ratified, no team will be reprieved and Group A will take place with 13 teams.

Stade Pontivyen and Redon

Although declared as part of the division as champions of their Régional 1 group, Redon were eventually denied their promotion on 25 August 2023, one day before the start of the season, after a protracted legal battle, with Stade Pontivyen being promoted in their place. [13]

Promotion and relegation

If eligible, the top team in each group is promoted to Championnat National 2. If a team finishing top of the group is ineligible, or declines promotion, the next eligible team in that group is promoted.

This season a total of 37 teams will be relegated to Régional 1, as a result of the restructuring of the French leagues. [14] This will result in teams finishing in the bottom three places being relegated, along with the four worst eleventh-placed clubs, calculated from results against the teams placed 5th to 10th in their group. [15]

Reserve teams whose training centres are categorised as category 2B or lower cannot be promoted to Championnat National 2 by the rules of the competition.

League tables

Group A

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1 Istres (P)2413653926+1345Promotion to National 2
2 Montpellier (res)2411854728+1941
3 Marseille (res)2410773233137
4 Fos-sur-Mer 249873628+835
5 Agde 2481154336+735
6 Lucciana 249783133234
7 Corte 249693135433
8 Beaucaire 2471163729+832
9 Rousset 248794039+131
10 EUGA Ardziv 2478929411229
11 Cannet Rocheville 24761135451027
12 Cagnes-sur-Mer (R)24761132421027Relegation to Regional 1
13 Montferrier-sur-Lez (R)24271524411713
Updated to match(es) played on 22 May 2024. Source: soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated

Group B

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1 Anglet (P)2617453922+1755Promotion to National 2
2 Blagnac 2615654210+3251
3 Castanet 2613944023+1748
4 Pau (res)2611964128+1342
5 Colomiers [a] 2611872927+240
6 Stade Bordelais 269893437335
7 Canet Roussillon 2697102628234
8 Lège Cap Ferret 2697103434034
9 Bayonne 2696113633+333
10 Alberes Argelès 2688103039932
11 Onet-le-Château 2686123539430
12 Bordeaux (res)2661193333029
13 Saint-Paul-lès-Dax (R)263101320422219Relegation to Regional 1
14 Saint-Estève (R)2617182165449
Updated to match(es) played on 19 May 2024. Source: soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:
  1. The match between Colomiers and Pau (res) on 25 August 2023, which ended 2–0, was subject to a technical challenge. On review, it was found Colomiers had fielded two suspended players. Pau (res) were awarded the match 3–0 and Colomiers were penalised with the deduction of a point. [16]

Group C

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1 Poitiers (P)2620246523+4262Promotion to National 2
2 Montlouis-sur-Loire 2619434717+3061
3 Tours [a] (R)2615475729+2848Administrative relegation to Regional 1
4 Ouest Tourangeau 26151104636+1046
5 Vierzon 2610794641+537
6 Moulon Bourges 2691074243137
7 Châtellerault 26106103742536
8 Panazol [b] 26106104443+135
9 Châteauroux (res)26102143535032
10 Chauvigny 26861234481430
11 Châteauneuf-sur-Loire 2685134344129
12 Vineuil 26651527451823
13 Bourges Foot 18 (res) (R)26661438592123Relegation to Regional 1
14 Chambray 2624202480565
Updated to match(es) played on 20 May 2024. Source: soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:
  1. The match between Poitiers and Tours on 21 October 2023 was abandoned after 83 minutes, with the score 2–1, after incidents in the stands. On 14 December 2023, the disciplinary committee of the FFF awarded the match to Poitiers. On 18 February 2024 it was published that Tours' appeal was unsuccessful. Poitiers were awarded the match 3–0 and Tours were penalised with the deduction of a point. [17]
  2. The match between Panazol and Ouest Tourangeau on 27 August 2023, which ended 3–1, was subject to a technical challenge. On review, it was found Panazol had fielded an ineligible player. Ouest Tourangeau were awarded the match 3–0 and Panazol were penalised with the deduction of a point. [18]

Group D

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1 Poiré-sur-Vie (P)2616554724+2353Promotion to National 2
2 Nantes (res)2614844625+2150
3 Vertou 26131124428+1650
4 Fontenay 2613944925+2448
5 Laval (res)2613764425+1946
6 Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu 2611783124+740
7 Sablé 269984345236
8 Challans 268994034+633
9 La Châtaigneraie (R)2687114041131
10 Chauray 2686123234230
11 Niort (res) (R)26831534451127Relegation to Regional 1
12 Saint-Nazaire (R)26571425542922
13 Les Sables-d'Olonne (R)26561520472721
14 Château-Gontier 26322118624411
Updated to match(es) played on 22 May 2024. Source: soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated

Group E

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1 Saint-Colomban Locminé (P)2615654023+1751Promotion to National 2
2 TA Rennes 2614665633+2348
3 Vitré 2614484628+1846
4 Rennes (res)2613765533+2246
5 Milizac 26111054129+1243
6 Plabennec 26123114949039
7 Lannion 26114113535037
8 Pontivy 2610793332+137
9 Ergué-Gabéric 2695123241932
10 Vannes 2688104341+232
11 Fougères 2678114649329
12 Stade Briochin (res) (R)26751427492226Relegation to Regional 1
13 Stade Pontivyen (R)26551640612120
14 Cercle Paul Bert Bréquigny (R)26461630704018
Updated to match(es) played on 22 May 2024. Source: soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated

Group F

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1 Houlgate (P)2616464735+1252Promotion to National 2
2 Alençon 2614844531+1450
3 Chatou 2613583929+1044
4 SM Caen (res)2611694435+939
5 Saint-Lô 26115103734+338
6 Dives-Cabourg 26106103536136
7 ASPTT Caen 2681173026+435
8 Dieppe 26104123336334
9 Flers 268994046633
10 AG Caen 261021440521232
11 Oissel 2687113234231
12 Le Havre (res) (R)2678113239729Relegation to Regional 1
13 Quevilly-Rouen (res) (R)26751428401226
14 Les Mureaux (R)2674152938925
Updated to match(es) played on 22 May 2024. Source: soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated

Group G

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1 Chantilly (P)2613944727+2048Promotion to National 2
2 Lille (res)2613854629+1747
3 Lens (res)2613764326+1746
4 Pays de Cassel 26142104634+1244
5 Croix 2611873727+1041
6 Vimy 26115104045538
7 Sannois-Saint-Gratien 2691073230+237
8 Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône 26105113031135
9 Pays du Valois 26104123643734
10 Drancy 2671273329+433
11 Valenciennes (res)2678113442829
12 Marcq-en-Barœul (R)26841433511828Relegation to Regional 1
13 Compiègne (R)26561530592920
14 Saint-Amand-les-Eaux (R)26461623371418
Updated to match(es) played on 22 May 2024. Source: soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated

Group H

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1 FC Balagne (P)2617545124+2756Promotion to National 2
2 Sainte-Geneviève 2615924715+3254
3 Linas-Montlhéry 2612954230+1245
4 Saint-Maur 2613673825+1344
5 Brétigny 2612864424+2044
6 AC Ajaccio (res)268992431733
7 Ivry [a] 259793534+133
8 Orléans (res) [b] 2571172632630
9 Neuilly-sur-Marne 2661192936729
10 SC Bastia (res)2651293426+827
11 Montrouge (R)26671328391125Administrative relegation to Regional 1
12 Vitry-sur-Seine (R)26581323492623Relegation to Regional 1
13 Saran (R)26591225361122
14 Mainvilliers (R)26371616614515
Updated to match(es) played on 22 May 2024. Source: soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:
  1. The match between Sainte-Geneviève and Ivry on 3 February 2024 was abandoned in stoppage time after Sainte-Geneviève were awarded a goal by the referee. Ivry protested that the ball had not entered the goal, and did not restart the match. The referee eventually blew the whistle to stop the game and Ivry placed a technical challenge. [19] On 14 February 2024 it was published that the FFF had penalised Ivry, awarded the match to Sainte-Geneviève by the scoreline of 3–0, and deducted a point from Ivry. [20]
  2. The match between FC Balagne and Orléans (res) on 21 October 2023 did not take place, due to Orléans (res) not having booked plane tickets to Corsica. On 9 November 2023, it was published that the FFF had declared the match forfeit by Orléans, and awarded the tie to Balagne by the standard forfeit scoreline of 3–0, penalising Orléans (res) by deducting a point. [21]

    Orléans (res) were penalised in another match, against Montrouge, after the game which was scheduled for 13 January 2024 had to be postponed due to faulty floodlights, and lack of staff to repair them. The match was awarded to Montrouge by the scoreline of 0–3 and Orléans (res) were deducted another penalty point. [22]

Group I

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1 Thionville (P)2617455328+2555Promotion to National 2
2 Reims (res)2614666440+2448
3 ESTAC Troyes (res)2615294840+847
4 Thaon 2610973935+439
5 Reims Sainte-Anne (R)26106103134336Administrative relegation to Regional 1
6 Metz (res)26105114436+835
7 Sarre-Union 269894645+135
8 Strasbourg Koenigshoffen 26104123033334
9 Prix-lès-Mézières 26106103433+133
10 Belfort 26881035451032
11 Raon-l'Étape 26951236481232
12 RC Strasbourg (res)2686123743630
13 Nancy (res) (R)269893536129Relegation to Regional 1
14 FC Métropole Troyenne (R)26332022583612
Updated to match(es) played on 18 May 2024. Source: soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated

Group J

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1 Rumilly-Vallières (P)2617725422+3258Promotion to National 2
2 Pontarlier 26111235031+1945
3 Sochaux (res)2613673528+745
4 Dijon (res)2611784430+1440
5 Jura Dolois 26123113733+439
6 Besançon Football 2610793738137
7 Cosne-sur-Loire 269983835+336
8 Moulins Yzeure 2698923351235
9 Louhans-Cuiseaux 2697103728+934
10 Gueugnon 26104123032234
11 ASPTT Dijon 26871128431531
12 Vesoul (R)26741532451325Relegation to Regional 1
13 Is-Selongey (R)264111133471423
14 La Chapelle-de-Guinchay (R)26361725563115
Updated to match(es) played on 22 May 2024. Source: soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated

Group K

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1 Saint-Priest (P)2617455725+3255Promotion to National 2
2 Lyon La Duchère 2613944525+2048
3 Chambéry 2613943418+1648
4 Saint-Étienne (res)2612593631+541
5 Espaly-Saint-Marcel 26115103228+438
6 Olympique Lyonnais (res)26115103844638
7 Limonest 2610793738137
8 Feurs (R)2610793935+437Administrative relegation to Regional 1
9 Clermont (res)26103133837+133
10 Hauts Lyonnais 26951230441432
11 Chassieu 26691123341127
12 Valence (R)2659123139824Relegation to Regional 1
13 Ain Sud 264111131421123
14 Vaulx-en-Velin (R)26461621523118
Updated to match(es) played on 22 May 2024. Source: soccerway
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated

Season outcomes

Promotion

Istres, Anglet, Poitiers, Poiré-sur-Vie, Saint-Colomban Locminé, Houlgate, Chantilly, FC Balagne, Thionville, Rumilly-Vallières and Saint-Priest were champions of each group, and were promoted to 2023–24 Championnat National 2.

Relegation

A total of 34 teams were relegated :

Cagnes-sur-Mer, Montferrier-sur-Lez

Saint-Paul-lès-Dax, Saint-Estève

Tours (administrative relegation), Bourges Foot 18 (res), Chambray

Niort (res), Saint-Nazaire, Les Sables-d'Olonne, Château-Gontier

Stade Briochin (res), Stade Pontivyen, Cercle Paul Bert Bréquigny

Le Havre (res), Quevilly-Rouen (res), Les Mureaux

Marcq-en-Barœul, Compiègne, Saint-Amand-les-Eaux

Montrouge (administrative relegation), Vitry-sur-Seine, Saran, Mainvilliers

Reims Sainte-Anne (administrative relegation), Nancy (res), FC Métropole Troyenne

Vesoul, Is-Selongey, La Chapelle-de-Guinchay

Feurs (administrative relegation), Valence, Ain Sud, Vaulx-en-Velin

References

  1. "N1, N2, N3, Coupe de France : découvrez le calendrier 2023-2024" (in French). Foot Amateur. 23 January 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  2. "National 3. Les groupes pour la saison 2023-2024" (in French). Foot Amateur. 13 July 2023.
  3. "DNCG. Lyon La Duchère rétrogradé en National 3 !" (in French). Foot Amateur. 13 June 2023.
  4. "On connaît les 36 clubs promus de Régional 1 en National 3" (in French). Foot Amateur. 11 June 2023.
  5. "L'ES Fos promue en National 3 à la place de l'ES Saint-Zacharie" (in French). Foot Amateur. 14 June 2023.
  6. "DNCG. Nancy relégué en N3, Béziers interdit d'accession" (in French). Foot Amateur. 27 June 2023.
  7. "Appel DNCG. Sochaux en National, Nancy en National 2" (in French). Foot Amateur. 11 July 2023.
  8. "L'AS Cherbourg exclue des championnat nationaux !" (in French). Foot Amateur. 20 June 2023.
  9. "En liquidation judiciaire, le Gazelec Ajaccio ne finira pas la saison" (in French). footamateur.fr. 23 January 2023.
  10. "Placé en liquidation judiciaire, c'est fini pour le Gazelec Ajaccio !" (in French). footamateur.fr. 30 January 2023.
  11. "DNCG. L'AS Béziers est rétrogradé en Régional 1 !" (in French). Foot Amateur. 20 July 2023.
  12. "DNCG. La rétrogradation de l'AS Béziers confirmée en appel" (in French). Foot Amateur. 31 July 2023.
  13. "Football : Le Stade Pontivyen jouera cette saison en National 3, au grand dam du FCAV de Redon" (in French). francetvinfo.fr. 25 August 2023.
  14. "National 3. Montées, descentes : la réforme du championnat en détail" (in French). footamateur.fr. 10 May 2022.
  15. "National 3. Le point sur les descentes de la saison 2023-2024" (in French). Foot Amateur. 20 June 2023.
  16. "Colomiers perd sa première journée face au Pau FC sur Tapis Vert" (in French). foot-national.com. 8 September 2023.
  17. "National 3 M : match perdu confirmé à Poitiers pour le Tours FC" (in French). La Nouvelle République. 18 February 2024.
  18. "National 3 : l'AS Panazol s'impose au bout du suspense" (in French). Le Populaire. 10 September 2023.
  19. "Trou dans les filets ou tir à côté ? En N3, un vrai-faux but sème la discorde entre Sainte-Geneviève et Ivry" (in French). Le Parisien. 7 February 2024.
  20. "National 3. Sainte-Geneviève gagne par pénalité contre Ivry" (in French). footamateur. 14 February 2024.
  21. "National 3. Victoire sur tapis vert pour Balagne face à l'US Orléans B" (in French). Foot Amateur. 9 November 2023.
  22. "National 3. Match perdu par pénalité pour Orléans contre Montrouge" (in French). Foot Amateur. 1 February 2024.