It is now official: Le Mans FC will compete in Ligue 1 next season. The Sarthois side finished the 2025-2026 Ligue 2 campaign in second place, securing their promotion with a commanding 2-0 win over Bastia on Saturday, May 9. The Ligue de Football Professionnel’s disciplinary commission confirmed the result on Wednesday, May 13, following an announcement by the club president to over 24,000 jubilant supporters packed into the Marie Marvingt stadium.

The match’s outcome was initially uncertain. On Saturday evening, referee Ruddy Buquet halted play after smoke flares were launched onto the pitch following Le Mans’ second goal in stoppage time. He later indicated the game would not resume but nevertheless failed to blow the final whistle, leaving the result in limbo.

In such cases, the disciplinary commission holds jurisdiction to determine the match’s result and impose sanctions. The Sporting Club de Bastia has been penalized with two matches under closed doors and one suspended match, in response to the actions of their supporters who disrupted the game.