Championnat National
Encyclopedia
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
. Contested by 20 clubs (21 for the 2010–11 season
), the Championnat National operates on a system of promotion and relegation
with Ligue 2 and the Championnat de France amateur, the fourth division of French football. Seasons run from August to May, with teams playing 38 games each totaling 380 games in the season. Most games are played on Fridays and Saturdays, with a few games played during weekday evenings. Play is regularly suspended the last weekend before Christmas for two weeks before returning in the second week of January.
National was founded in 1993 by the French Football Federation
and serves as a base league
for clubs on the brink of becoming professional or falling to the amateur levels. The league is annually composed of professional, semi-professional
, and amateur football clubs. The current champions
are Bastia
. The matches in the league attract on average between 1,500 and 2,000 spectators per match.
, and then goals scored. At the end of each season, the club with the most points is crowned champion and promoted to Ligue 2. If points are equal, the goal difference and then goals scored determine the winner. If still equal, teams are deemed to occupy the same position. If there is a tie for the championship or for relegation, a play-off match at a neutral venue decides rank. The second and third-place finisher are also promoted to the second division, while the four lowest placed teams are relegated to the Championnat de France amateur and the four winners of the four groups from the Championnat de France amateur are promoted in their place.
season.
French football league system
The French football league system is a series of interconnected leagues for club football in France. At the top two levels of the system is the Ligue de Football Professionnel, which consists of two professional national divisions, Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. Below that are a number of leagues run by the...
behind 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....
and 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...
. Contested by 20 clubs (21 for the 2010–11 season
2010–11 Championnat National
The 2010–11 Championnat National season was the 13th since its establishment. Évian were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced in 5 July 2010 and the season began on 6 August and ended on 27 May 2011. The winter break was in effect between 22 December and 11 January 2011...
), the Championnat National operates on a system of promotion and relegation
Promotion and relegation
In many sports leagues around the world, promotion and relegation is a process that takes place at the end of each season. Through it, teams are transferred between divisions based on their performance that season...
with Ligue 2 and the Championnat de France amateur, the fourth division of French football. Seasons run from August to May, with teams playing 38 games each totaling 380 games in the season. Most games are played on Fridays and Saturdays, with a few games played during weekday evenings. Play is regularly suspended the last weekend before Christmas for two weeks before returning in the second week of January.
National was founded in 1993 by the French Football Federation
French Football Federation
The French Football Federation is the governing body of association football in France, as well as the overseas departments and territories . It was formed in 1919 and is based in the capital Paris...
and serves as a base league
Military base
A military base is a facility directly owned and operated by or for the military or one of its branches that shelters military equipment and personnel, and facilitates training and operations. In general, a military base provides accommodations for one or more units, but it may also be used as a...
for clubs on the brink of becoming professional or falling to the amateur levels. The league is annually composed of professional, semi-professional
Semi-professional
A semi-professional athlete is one who is paid to play and thus is not an amateur, but for whom sport is not a full-time occupation, generally because the level of pay is too low to make a reasonable living based solely upon that source, thus making the athlete not a full professional...
, and amateur football clubs. The current champions
2009–10 Championnat National
The 2009–10 Championnat National was the 17th edition of the 3rd division league. Play commenced on 7 August 2009 and ended on 21 May 2010.-Promotion and relegation:Teams relegated from Ligue 2 2008–09* 18th Place: Amiens* 19th Place: Reims...
are Bastia
SC Bastia
Sporting Club de Bastia is a French association football club based in Bastia on the island of Corsica. The club currently plays in the Championnat National, the third division of French football. Bastia previously had stints in both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2...
. The matches in the league attract on average between 1,500 and 2,000 spectators per match.
Competition format
There are 20 clubs in the Championnat National. During the course of a season, usually from August to May, each club plays the others twice, once at their home stadium and once at that of their opponents, for a total of 38 games. Teams receive three points for a win and one point for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss. Teams are ranked by total points, then goal differenceGoal difference
In sports such as ice hockey and association football, goal difference is often the first tiebreaker used to rank teams which finish a league competition with an equal number of points....
, and then goals scored. At the end of each season, the club with the most points is crowned champion and promoted to Ligue 2. If points are equal, the goal difference and then goals scored determine the winner. If still equal, teams are deemed to occupy the same position. If there is a tie for the championship or for relegation, a play-off match at a neutral venue decides rank. The second and third-place finisher are also promoted to the second division, while the four lowest placed teams are relegated to the Championnat de France amateur and the four winners of the four groups from the Championnat de France amateur are promoted in their place.
Members for 2011–12
The following 20 clubs will compete in the Championnat National during the 2011–122011–12 Championnat National
The 2011–12 Championnat National season is the 14th since its establishment. Bastia are the defending champions. The league schedule was announced on 16 May 2011 and the fixtures were determined in July. The season began on 6 August 2011 and will end on 26 May 2012...
season.
| Club |
Position in 2010–11 |
Founded | First season of current spell in National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayonne Aviron Bayonnais FC Aviron Bayonnais Football Club is a French association football club based in Bayonne. The club is a part of a sports club that was formed in 1904 that is also known for its rugby union club. The football club was founded in 1935 and currently play in the Championnat National, the third level of... |
17th | 1935 | 2008–09 |
| Beauvais AS Beauvais Oise Association Sportive Beauvais Oise is a French association football club based in Beauvais. The club was formed in 1945 as a result of a merger and currently play in the Championnat National, the third level of French football. Beauvais plays its home matches at the Stade Pierre Brisson located... |
7th | 1945 | 2006–07 |
| Besançon Besançon RC Besançon Racing Club is a French football club based in Besançon. It was founded in 1904-1905. They play at the Stade Léo Lagrange.- Current squad :As of September 2011.- Coaching staff :... |
CFA Group B: 1st | 1904 | 2011–12 |
| Cherbourg AS Cherbourg Football AS Cherbourg or the Association Sportive de Cherbourg Football is a French football club currently playing in the Championnat National, which is the third division in France... |
CFA Group D: 2nd | 1945 | 2011–12 |
| Colmar SR Colmar Sports Réunis Colmar is a French association football team founded in 1920.-History:They are based in Colmar, Alsace and are currently playing in the Championnat National, the third tier in the French football after winning Group A of the Championnat de France amateur in the 2009–10 season. The... |
15th | 1920 | 2010–11 |
| Créteil US Créteil-Lusitanos Union Sportive Créteil-Lusitanos Football is a French football club based in Créteil, a southeastern suburb of Paris. The club was founded in 1936 and currently play in the Championnat National, the third division of French football... |
10th | 1936 | 2007–08 |
| Épinal SAS Épinal Stade Athletique Spinalien Épinal is a French football club based in the commune of Épinal.They currently play in the Championnat de France Amateurs Group A. Their kit colours are yellow and blue... |
CFA Group B: 2nd | 1941 | 2011–12 |
| Fréjus | 6th | 2009 | 2009–10 |
| Gazélec Ajaccio Gazélec Ajaccio Gazélec Football Club Olympique Ajaccio was founded in 1910. The club is based in Ajaccio, Corsica.- Honours :* French Amateur Champions: 1963, 1965, 1966, 1968.* Corsican Champions: 1937, 1938, 1956, 1957, 1961.-Current squad:... |
CFA Group C: 1st | 1910 | 2011–12 |
| Le Poiré-sur-Vie SJA Le Poiré-sur-Vie Sainte-Jeanne d'Arc Le Poiré-sur-vie is a French football club based in Le Poiré-sur-Vie . -History:The club, founded in 1954, is currently playing in the Championnat National, the third tier in the French football league system.... |
CFA Group D: 1st | 1954 | 2011–12 |
| Luzenac US Luzenac US Luzenac is a French football club based in the little town of Luzenac . It was founded in 1936. They play at the Stade Paul Fédou, which has a capacity of 1,000... |
11th | 1936 | 2009–10 |
| Niort | 13th | 1925 | 2010–11 |
| Nîmes Nîmes Olympique Nîmes Olympique is a French association football club based in Nîmes. The club was formed on 10 April 1937 and currently play in Championnat National, the third level of French football. The club's only achievement was winning Ligue 2 in 1950 and the Championnat National in 1997... |
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... : 19th |
1937 | 2011–12 |
| Orléans US Orléans Union Sportive Orléanaise Loiret Football is a French association football club based in Orléans. The club was founded in 1920 and currently play in the Championnat National, the third division of French football, having achieved promotion from the Championnat de France amateur in the 2009–10... |
9th | 1920 | 2010–11 |
| Martigues FC Martigues FC Martigues play in the Championnat National, which is the third level of football in France. The club was formed in 1921 and played regional football until the early 1970s when the club gained promotion to the professional Second Division.The club's greatest achievement was winning promotion to... |
CFA Group C: 2nd | 1921 | 2011–12 |
| Paris Paris FC Paris Football Club is a French association football club based in Paris. The club was founded in 1969 and currently play in the Championnat National, the third level of French football. Paris plays its home matches at the Stade Charléty located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris... |
12th | 1969 | 2006–07 |
| Quevilly | CFA Group A: 1st | 1902 | 2011–12 |
| Red Star | CFA Group A: 2nd | 1897 | 2011–12 |
| Rouen FC Rouen Football Club de Rouen 1899 is a French association football club based in Rouen. The club was formed in 1899 and currently play in the Championnat National, the third level of French football. Rouen plays its home matches at the Stade Robert Diochon; named after Robert Diochon, a historic player... |
8th | 1899 | 2009–10 |
| Vannes Vannes OC Vannes Olympique Club is a French association football club based in Vannes. The club was formed relatively late in 1998 as a result of a merger and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football. Vannes plays its home matches at the Stade de la Rabine located within the city... |
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... : 18th |
1998 | 2011–12 |
Championnat National (1993–94, 1996–97)
- 1994. LB ChâteaurouxLB ChâteaurouxLa Berrichonne de Châteauroux is a French association football club based in Châteauroux. The football team is a part of a sports club that consists of several other sports and was founded in 1883. The team currently plays in Ligue 2, the second division of French football, having finished 16th in...
- 1995. FC LorientFC LorientFootball Club Lorient-Bretagne Sud is a French association football club based in Lorient. The club was founded in 1926 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Lorient plays its home matches at the Stade du Moustoir located within the city. The team is managed by Christian...
- 1996. Sporting Toulon VarSporting Toulon VarSporting Toulon Var is a football club from Toulon, France, who currently play in the French sixth division . The club, which was founded in 1944, is presided by Jacques Jayet and managed by Luigi Alfano.- History :...
- 1997. Nîmes OlympiqueNîmes OlympiqueNîmes Olympique is a French association football club based in Nîmes. The club was formed on 10 April 1937 and currently play in Championnat National, the third level of French football. The club's only achievement was winning Ligue 2 in 1950 and the Championnat National in 1997...
Champions (since 1997–98)
| Season | Winner | Runner Up |
|---|---|---|
| 1997–98 | AC Ajaccio AC Ajaccio Athletic Club Ajaccio is a French association football club based in the city of Ajaccio on the island of Corsica. The club was founded in 1910 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the first division of French football, having finished 2nd in the 2010–11 campaign in Ligue 2. The club president is Alain... |
Sedan CS Sedan Ardennes Club Sportif Sedan Ardennes, commonly referred to as CS Sedan or simply Sedan , is a French association football club based in Sedan. The club was formed in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football. Sedan plays its home matches at the Stade Louis Dugauguez located... |
| 1998–99 | Louhans-Cuiseaux CS Louhans-Cuiseaux Club Sportif Louhans-Cuiseaux is a French football club.-History:Founded in 1970 after the unification of "Club Sportif Louhannais" and "Club de Cuiseaux" , based in the villages of Louhans and Cuiseaux... |
Créteil US Créteil-Lusitanos Union Sportive Créteil-Lusitanos Football is a French football club based in Créteil, a southeastern suburb of Paris. The club was founded in 1936 and currently play in the Championnat National, the third division of French football... |
| 1999-00 | Beauvais AS Beauvais Oise Association Sportive Beauvais Oise is a French association football club based in Beauvais. The club was formed in 1945 as a result of a merger and currently play in the Championnat National, the third level of French football. Beauvais plays its home matches at the Stade Pierre Brisson located... |
Martigues FC Martigues FC Martigues play in the Championnat National, which is the third level of football in France. The club was formed in 1921 and played regional football until the early 1970s when the club gained promotion to the professional Second Division.The club's greatest achievement was winning promotion to... |
| 2000–01 | Grenoble Grenoble Foot 38 Grenoble Foot 38, commonly referred to as simply Grenoble, is a French association football club based in Grenoble, a city situated at the foot of the French Alps. The original incarnation of the club was founded in 1892 and, in 1997, was formed into the club that exists today as a result of a merger... |
Amiens Amiens SC Amiens Sporting Club is a French association football club based in Amiens. The club was formed in 1901 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football. The club plays its home matches at the Stade de la Licorne located within the city... |
| 2001–02 | 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... |
Reims Stade Reims Stade de Reims is a French association football club based in Reims. The club was formed in 1911 under the name Société Sportive du Parc Pommery and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football having achieved promotion to the league following the 2009–10 season... |
| 2002–03 | Besançon Besançon RC Besançon Racing Club is a French football club based in Besançon. It was founded in 1904-1905. They play at the Stade Léo Lagrange.- Current squad :As of September 2011.- Coaching staff :... |
Angers Angers SCO Angers Sporting Club de l'Ouest is a French association football club based in Angers. The club was founded in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second division of French football having achieved promotion to the league in 2007. Angers play its home matches at the Stade Jean Bouin located... |
| 2003–04 | Reims | 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... |
| 2004–05 | Valenciennes Valenciennes FC Valenciennes Football Club is a French association football club based in Valenciennes. The club was founded in 1913 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Valenciennes plays its home matches at the recently-built Stade du Hainaut located within the city... |
Valence ASOA Valence Association Sportive d'Origine Arménienne de Valence was a French football team playing in the city of Valence, Drôme.-History:The team ended in 2005 due to financial problems... |
| 2005–06 | Niort | Tours Tours FC Tours Football Club is a French association football club based in Tours, the capital city of the Indre-et-Loire department. The club was formed in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football. Tours plays its home matches at the Stade de la Vallée du Cher located within... |
| 2006–07 | Clermont | Boulogne US Boulogne Union Sportive de Boulogne-sur-Mer Côte d'Opale is a French association football club based in the commune of Boulogne-sur-Mer. The club was founded in 1898 and currently plays in Ligue 2, the second of division of French football, having been relegated from Ligue 1 during the 2009–10 season.The... |
| 2007–08 | Vannes Vannes OC Vannes Olympique Club is a French association football club based in Vannes. The club was formed relatively late in 1998 as a result of a merger and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football. Vannes plays its home matches at the Stade de la Rabine located within the city... |
Tours |
| 2008–09 | Istres FC Istres Football Club Istres Ouest Provence is a French association football club based in Istres. The club was formed in 1920 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football having achieved promotion to the league following the 2008–09 season. Istres plays its home matches at the... |
Laval Stade Lavallois Stade Lavallois Mayenne Football Club is a French association football club based in Laval. The club was formed on 17 July 1902 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football. Laval plays its home matches at the Stade Francis Le Basser located in the city and is managed by... |
| 2009–10 2009–10 Championnat National The 2009–10 Championnat National was the 17th edition of the 3rd division league. Play commenced on 7 August 2009 and ended on 21 May 2010.-Promotion and relegation:Teams relegated from Ligue 2 2008–09* 18th Place: Amiens* 19th Place: Reims... |
Evian | Reims Stade Reims Stade de Reims is a French association football club based in Reims. The club was formed in 1911 under the name Société Sportive du Parc Pommery and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football having achieved promotion to the league following the 2009–10 season... |
| 2010–11 2010–11 Championnat National The 2010–11 Championnat National season was the 13th since its establishment. Évian were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced in 5 July 2010 and the season began on 6 August and ended on 27 May 2011. The winter break was in effect between 22 December and 11 January 2011... |
Bastia SC Bastia Sporting Club de Bastia is a French association football club based in Bastia on the island of Corsica. The club currently plays in the Championnat National, the third division of French football. Bastia previously had stints in both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2... |
Amiens |