French Basketball Federation confirms refusal to admit Monaco to third division
The French Basketball Federation has confirmed its decision to refuse AS Monaco Basket entry into the third division, following another setback for the club before the French National Olympic and Sports Committee.
The FFBB announced on Friday, 18 September that it was maintaining its refusal to admit Monaco to Nationale Masculine 1 (NM1), after the CNOSF conciliator proposed that the parties adhere to the Federation’s initial decision.
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Monaco had applied to join NM1 after being barred from competing in the professional Élite and Élite 2 championships following proceedings that continued throughout the summer.
The Federation initially rejected the club’s NM1 application on 12 September, saying it did not have sufficient guarantees to allow Monaco to compete.
The club subsequently appealed to the CNOSF, but the conciliator did not rule in its favour.
Club warns of possible liquidation
Monaco’s lawyer, Xavier Le Cerf-Galle, had urged FFBB president Jean-Pierre Hunckler to reconsider the club’s situation, warning of serious consequences if it was unable to enter a high-level championship.
According to the lawyer, failure to secure a place could lead to the dismissal of the club’s 22 employees, the loss of the company’s corporate purpose and potentially its liquidation.
The FFBB has nevertheless maintained its position.
Monaco now has 15 days to oppose the proposal before the CNOSF before potentially taking the case to the Administrative Court.
The NM1 season is meanwhile getting under way without the Roca Team, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future.
Monaco won all four trophies available in France during the 2025-2026 season and finished as runners-up in the 2025 European championship.