AC Arles
Encyclopedia
Athlétic Club Arles-Avignon (aʁl-aviɲɔ̃; commonly referred to as Arles-Avignon or simply Arles) is a French association football
club originally based in Arles
. The club was founded in 1912 as a result of a merger and was formerly known as Athlétic Club Arles, but in 2010, moved to the nearby commune
of Avignon
and adopted its current name. Arles-Avignon currently plays in Ligue 2
, the second division in French football, having suffered relegation to the league after playing in Ligue 1
in the 2010–11 season
. The club's ascension to the first division was notable due in part to the fact that the club achieved successive promotions in four of the past five football seasons.
Arles-Avignon plays its home matches at the Parc des Sports
in nearby Avignon
. The team is managed by former football player Faruk Hadžibegić and captained by midfielder
Sébastien Piocelle
, who joined the club in 2009, after a five-year stint in Italy
. In France, it has been commonplace to described Arles-Avignon as an overachieving club primarily due to succeeding despite limited resources. Arles-Avignon's highest honour to date was winning its group in the Championnat de France amateur, the fourth level of French football, in 2007. Regionally, the club has won the Division Honneur Sud-Est Ouest three times and its reserve team are the current defending champions of the Méditerranée
Division Honneur Régionale.
Arles-Avignon is known locally as Les Lions (The Lions) and incorporates the nickname into a multitude of club's fixtures, most notably its crest. After merging with Avignon, the club unveiled its new crest on 4 June 2009. The crest combines both elements of each club's predecessors and unscripted on the crest is Pays d'Arles Grand Avignon, which pays tribute to the inhabitants of the city of Arles
and the Grand Avignon
, the metropolitan area
that encompasses the commune
of Avignon
. In 2010, the club changed its crest again to coincide with its promotion to Ligue 1
.
. In 1960, Arles went through another merger, this time with local club Jeunesse Sportive Arlés. The merger was influenced by Honoré Autier, a former football player for FC Sète
. In the Arles' ensuing season, the club fell back to the Ligue du Sud-Est, and after four attempts, returned to the Championnat de France amateur in 1965.
In the 1970s, Arles reached the second division
of French football and, in its inaugural appearance in the 1970–71 season, finished 13th in its group. The club spent another three seasons in the league before falling to Division 3
in 1974. Arles returned to Division 2 in 1977, but after two seasons, were back in Division 3. In the 1980s, the club fell to Division 4. In 1992, under the tutelage of manager Jean-Louis Sanz, Arles earned promotion to the Championnat National
and were inaugural members of the new league. The club played in the league for four seasons before earning promotion to the Championnat de France amateur 2. In 1999, Arles finished first in its group and were, subsequently, promoted to the Championnat de France amateur. The appearance in the fourth division was brief and, in 2002, Arles were back in the fifth division.
In 2005, Arles embarked on a magical run, which concluded with the club earning promotion to Ligue 1
. From 2005–2010, the club achieved successive promotions in four of the five football seasons. In 2005, the club finished 3rd in its group in the CFA 2. However, because the club's that finished ahead of them were reserve teams of professional club, Arles were allowed ascension to the CFA. In the ensuing season, Arles won its group in the CFA and were promoted back to National. After finishing the 2007–08 season mid-table, Arles surprised many by finishing 3rd in the league, thus going up to Ligue 2
. Just after earning promotion to Ligue 2, Arles confirmed that the club was leaving the Stade Fernand Fournier to moved into the Parc des Sports
in nearby Avignon
, a bigger and more modern venue. The club, subsequently, changed its name to its current form and adopted a new crest.
The club was initially not allowed to participate in Ligue 2 after the DNCG ruled the club ineligible due to irregularities in the club's financial accounts. However, following an appeal, the DNCG reversed its decision reinstating Arles' Ligue 2 status and also the club's professional status. In the club's return to the second division after over 35 years, Arles-Avignon against stunned French football enthusiasts by finishing 3rd in the league. The club's final position was secured on the final day. Arles-Avignon was among four clubs battling for the final promotion spot and secured the position after a win over Clermont
, who was one of the clubs fighting for the final spot.
In the Arles-Avignon's debut in Ligue 1
, the club struggled losing its first eight matches. The club's first point in the league came in its 9th attempt in a 0–0 draw in Brest
. The following week, Arles-Avignon recorded a surprising 0–0 draw with Lyon
and, two weeks later, earned the club's first Ligue 1 win; a 3–2 victory over Caen.
and international competition since the club's foundation in 1912. To appear in the section below, a player must have either played in at least 80 official matches for the club or represented their country's national team either while playing for Arles-Avignon or after departing the club.
For a complete list of Arles-Avignon players, see :Category:AC Arles-Avignon players.
Michel Estevan
René Exbrayat
Jean-Charles Cirilli
Emmanuel Corrèze
Christian Payan Benjamin Psaume
Vincent Dyduch Djibril Cisse
Angelos Charisteas
Angelos Basinas
Hameur Bouazza
André Ayew
Naby Yattara
Kaba Diawara
Deme N'Diaye
Coaching and medical staff
Football in France
Football is the most popular sport in France. The Fédération Française de Football is the national governing bodyand is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the game of association football in the country, both professional and amateur...
club originally based in Arles
Arles
Arles is a city and commune in the south of France, in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, of which it is a subprefecture, in the former province of Provence....
. The club was founded in 1912 as a result of a merger and was formerly known as Athlétic Club Arles, but in 2010, moved to the nearby commune
Communes of France
The commune is the lowest level of administrative division in the French Republic. French communes are roughly equivalent to incorporated municipalities or villages in the United States or Gemeinden in Germany...
of Avignon
Avignon
Avignon is a French commune in southeastern France in the départment of the Vaucluse bordered by the left bank of the Rhône river. Of the 94,787 inhabitants of the city on 1 January 2010, 12 000 live in the ancient town centre surrounded by its medieval ramparts.Often referred to as the...
and adopted its current name. Arles-Avignon currently plays in Ligue 2
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
, the second division in French football, having suffered relegation to the league after playing in Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
in the 2010–11 season
2010–11 Ligue 1
The 2010–11 Ligue 1 season was the 73rd since its establishment. Entering the season, Marseille were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced on 21 May 2010 and the season began on 7 August and ended on 29 May 2011. The winter break was in effect between 23 December and 15 January 2011...
. The club's ascension to the first division was notable due in part to the fact that the club achieved successive promotions in four of the past five football seasons.
Arles-Avignon plays its home matches at the Parc des Sports
Parc des Sports (Avignon)
Parc des Sports is a multi-purpose stadium in Avignon, France. It is currently used mostly for football matches and hosts the home matches of Ligue 2 club, AC Arles-Avignon. The capacity of the stadium is 17,518 spectators.-External links:*...
in nearby Avignon
Avignon
Avignon is a French commune in southeastern France in the départment of the Vaucluse bordered by the left bank of the Rhône river. Of the 94,787 inhabitants of the city on 1 January 2010, 12 000 live in the ancient town centre surrounded by its medieval ramparts.Often referred to as the...
. The team is managed by former football player Faruk Hadžibegić and captained by midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
Sébastien Piocelle
Sébastien Piocelle
Sébastien Piocelle is a French footballer who currently plays for Nîmes Olympique.-Career:Piocelle started his career at Nantes, where his made his debut on 16 October 1998, against Bordeaux....
, who joined the club in 2009, after a five-year stint in Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. In France, it has been commonplace to described Arles-Avignon as an overachieving club primarily due to succeeding despite limited resources. Arles-Avignon's highest honour to date was winning its group in the Championnat de France amateur, the fourth level of French football, in 2007. Regionally, the club has won the Division Honneur Sud-Est Ouest three times and its reserve team are the current defending champions of the Méditerranée
Méditerranée
Méditerranée was the name of a département of the First French Empire in present-day Italy. It was named after the Mediterranean Sea. It was formed in 1808, when Tuscany was annexed by France. Its capital was Livorno...
Division Honneur Régionale.
Arles-Avignon is known locally as Les Lions (The Lions) and incorporates the nickname into a multitude of club's fixtures, most notably its crest. After merging with Avignon, the club unveiled its new crest on 4 June 2009. The crest combines both elements of each club's predecessors and unscripted on the crest is Pays d'Arles Grand Avignon, which pays tribute to the inhabitants of the city of Arles
Arles
Arles is a city and commune in the south of France, in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, of which it is a subprefecture, in the former province of Provence....
and the Grand Avignon
Grand Avignon
Grand Avignon is the name for the metropolitan area around Avignon. It is an agglomeration community...
, the metropolitan area
Metropolitan area
The term metropolitan area refers to a region consisting of a densely populated urban core and its less-populated surrounding territories, sharing industry, infrastructure, and housing. A metropolitan area usually encompasses multiple jurisdictions and municipalities: neighborhoods, townships,...
that encompasses the commune
Communes of France
The commune is the lowest level of administrative division in the French Republic. French communes are roughly equivalent to incorporated municipalities or villages in the United States or Gemeinden in Germany...
of Avignon
Avignon
Avignon is a French commune in southeastern France in the départment of the Vaucluse bordered by the left bank of the Rhône river. Of the 94,787 inhabitants of the city on 1 January 2010, 12 000 live in the ancient town centre surrounded by its medieval ramparts.Often referred to as the...
. In 2010, the club changed its crest again to coincide with its promotion to Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
.
History
Athlétic Club Arles-Avignon was founded on 19 December 1912 under the name Athletic Club Arlésien as a result of a merger between three local clubs: La Pédale Joyeuse, Arles Auto-Vélo, and Arles Sports. The spent its early years playing in the Ligue du Sud-Est. In order to remain financially sound due to the onset of World War II, Arles merged with two clubs; Club Ouvrier and Sports cheminots with the new club retaining Arles' previous name. After the war, in 1954, the club reached the Championnat de France amateur under the leadership of manager Louis PonsLouis Pons
Louis Pons is a French collage artist. He specializes in reliefs and assemblages made entirely from discarded objects and junk. In Agnès Varda's documentary The Gleaners and I, Pons explains his artistic process and understanding of art; what others see as "a cluster of junk," he sees as "a...
. In 1960, Arles went through another merger, this time with local club Jeunesse Sportive Arlés. The merger was influenced by Honoré Autier, a former football player for FC Sète
FC Sète
FC Sète 34 is a French football club based in Sète and founded in 1900. The club won the French league twice and the French cup also twice . In 1934 they became the first club to win the French league and cup double....
. In the Arles' ensuing season, the club fell back to the Ligue du Sud-Est, and after four attempts, returned to the Championnat de France amateur in 1965.
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
of French football and, in its inaugural appearance in the 1970–71 season, finished 13th in its group. The club spent another three seasons in the league before falling to Division 3
Championnat National
The Championnat de France National, commonly referred to as simply National or Division 3, serves as the third division of the French football league system behind Ligue 1 and Ligue 2...
in 1974. Arles returned to Division 2 in 1977, but after two seasons, were back in Division 3. In the 1980s, the club fell to Division 4. In 1992, under the tutelage of manager Jean-Louis Sanz, Arles earned promotion to the Championnat National
Championnat National
The Championnat de France National, commonly referred to as simply National or Division 3, serves as the third division of the French football league system behind Ligue 1 and Ligue 2...
and were inaugural members of the new league. The club played in the league for four seasons before earning promotion to the Championnat de France amateur 2. In 1999, Arles finished first in its group and were, subsequently, promoted to the Championnat de France amateur. The appearance in the fourth division was brief and, in 2002, Arles were back in the fifth division.
In 2005, Arles embarked on a magical run, which concluded with the club earning promotion to Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
. From 2005–2010, the club achieved successive promotions in four of the five football seasons. In 2005, the club finished 3rd in its group in the CFA 2. However, because the club's that finished ahead of them were reserve teams of professional club, Arles were allowed ascension to the CFA. In the ensuing season, Arles won its group in the CFA and were promoted back to National. After finishing the 2007–08 season mid-table, Arles surprised many by finishing 3rd in the league, thus going up to Ligue 2
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
. Just after earning promotion to Ligue 2, Arles confirmed that the club was leaving the Stade Fernand Fournier to moved into the Parc des Sports
Parc des Sports (Avignon)
Parc des Sports is a multi-purpose stadium in Avignon, France. It is currently used mostly for football matches and hosts the home matches of Ligue 2 club, AC Arles-Avignon. The capacity of the stadium is 17,518 spectators.-External links:*...
in nearby Avignon
Avignon
Avignon is a French commune in southeastern France in the départment of the Vaucluse bordered by the left bank of the Rhône river. Of the 94,787 inhabitants of the city on 1 January 2010, 12 000 live in the ancient town centre surrounded by its medieval ramparts.Often referred to as the...
, a bigger and more modern venue. The club, subsequently, changed its name to its current form and adopted a new crest.
The club was initially not allowed to participate in Ligue 2 after the DNCG ruled the club ineligible due to irregularities in the club's financial accounts. However, following an appeal, the DNCG reversed its decision reinstating Arles' Ligue 2 status and also the club's professional status. In the club's return to the second division after over 35 years, Arles-Avignon against stunned French football enthusiasts by finishing 3rd in the league. The club's final position was secured on the final day. Arles-Avignon was among four clubs battling for the final promotion spot and secured the position after a win over Clermont
Clermont Foot
Clermont Foot Auvergne 63 is a French association football club based in Clermont-Ferrand. The first incarnation of the club was formed in 1911 and the current club was created in 1990 as a result of a merger...
, who was one of the clubs fighting for the final spot.
In the Arles-Avignon's debut in Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
, the club struggled losing its first eight matches. The club's first point in the league came in its 9th attempt in a 0–0 draw in Brest
Stade Brestois 29
Stade Brestois 29 is a French football club based in Brest. The club was founded in 1903 under the name Armoricaine de Brest and adopted its current name in 1950...
. The following week, Arles-Avignon recorded a surprising 0–0 draw with Lyon
Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais is a French association football club based in Lyon. They play in France's highest football division, Ligue 1. The club was formed as Lyon Olympique Universitaire in 1899, according to many supporters and sport historians, but was nationally established as a club in 1950. The...
and, two weeks later, earned the club's first Ligue 1 win; a 3–2 victory over Caen.
Current squad
Notable players
Below are the notable former and current players who have represented Arles-Avignon and its predecessors leagueLigue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
and international competition since the club's foundation in 1912. To appear in the section below, a player must have either played in at least 80 official matches for the club or represented their country's national team either while playing for Arles-Avignon or after departing the club.
For a complete list of Arles-Avignon players, see :Category:AC Arles-Avignon players.
Michel Estevan
Michel Estevan
Michel Estevan is a French association football manager and former player. He is currently managing US Boulogne.He recently managed AC Arles-Avignon. He led the club from the Championnat de France amateur 2, the fifth division of French football, to the first division Ligue 1 before being relieved...
René Exbrayat
René Exbrayat
René Exbrayat is French former footballer and football manager.He played for Arles and Aix-en-Provence, playing for France amateur football team at the Mediterranean Games....
Jean-Charles Cirilli
Jean-Charles Cirilli
Jean-Charles Cirilli is a French professional football player. Currently, he plays in the Ligue 2 for AC Arles-Avignon.-External links:*...
Emmanuel Corrèze
Emmanuel Corrèze
Emmanuel Corrèze is a French professional football player. Currently, he plays for Nîmes Olympique.-External links:*...
Christian Payan Benjamin Psaume
Benjamin Psaume
Benjamin Psaume is a French professional football player. Currently, he plays in Ligue 1 for Arles-Avignon.-External links:* *...
Vincent Dyduch Djibril Cisse
Djibril Cissé
Djibril Aruun Cissé is a French international footballer who currently plays for Serie A club Lazio as a striker. He is noted particularly for his speed and acceleration. Since 2005, he has held the title of Lord of the Manor of Frodsham....
Angelos Charisteas
Angelos Charisteas
Angelos Charisteas was born on 9 February 1980 in Strymoniko, Serres, but originates from Mani. He is a Greek football player who currently plays as a striker for Panetolikos F.C....
Angelos Basinas
Angelos Basinas
Angelos Basinas is a Greek international footballer and the former captain of his country's national team. He played as a defensive midfielder for Arles-Avignon in the Ligue 1 until 22 October 2010.-Panathinaikos:...
Hameur Bouazza
Hameur Bouazza
Hamer Bouazza , first name sometimes misspelled as Hameur, is an Algerian footballer who currently plays for Millwall in the Football League Championship. He usually plays as a left winger, but can also play on the right....
André Ayew
André Ayew
André Morgan Rami Ayew is a Ghanaian football player who currently plays for French club Marseille in Ligue 1. He is often referred to as simply Dédé. Ayew plays as a winger, but can play as a striker...
Naby Yattara
Naby Yattara
Naby-Moussa Yattara is a Guinean footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for AC Arles-Avignon of the French Ligue 1.- International :...
Kaba Diawara
Kaba Diawara
Kaba Diawara is a French-born Guinean footballer.- Career :His club career has been quite unstable, having played briefly for three English clubs as well as in Spain and Qatar. Diawara only scored once in English football, despite having three spells there...
Deme N'Diaye
Club officials
Senior club staff- President: Marcel Salerno
Coaching and medical staff
- Manager: Faruk Hadžibegić
- Assistant Manager: Kader Ferhaoui
- Goalkeeper Coach: Fabien Campioni
- Fitness Coach: Christian Pancioni
- Doctor: Jean Gauthier & Xavier Gousse
- Kinesiotheraphy: Iuri Annecchiarico, Fabrice Mazet, Olivier Verres, Pierre-Jean Coucourde
Honours
- Championnat de France amateur
- Winners (1): 2007 (Group B)
- Championnat de France amateur 2
- Winners (1); 1999 (Group D)
- Division Honneur Sud-Est Ouest
- Champions (3): 1957, 1964, 1965
- Division Honneur Sud-Est Languedoc
- Champions (3): 1954, 1958, 1959
- Division Honneur Régionale (Méditerranée)
- Champions (1): 2010
- Coupe de Provence
- Champions (2): 1943, 1985
- Runners-Up (2): 1977, 2010