The conflict between ES Tonnay-Lussant and regional football authorities concerning the application of the Fair Play Challenge is not over. The French National Olympic and Sports Committee had, in its conciliation proposal, asked the Ligue de Nouvelle-Aquitaine to integrate the maritime club into Departmental 1, but the regional body had not followed it.
The club then appealed to the administrative court of Poitiers to rule on the suspension of the execution of the League’s decision, while the latter concluded that there was no need to rule due to the start of the 2024 championship. 2025. The court declared the requests made by the club admissible.
“It’s a first victory,” comments Xavier Celle, the ESTL lawyer. On the other hand, the president of the administrative court indicates that in the current state of the investigation there are no serious doubts as to the illegality of this decision. »
“Coerced and forced”
However, it is precisely on this illegality that the club is in proceedings. “The resistance of the League in not integrating ES Tonnay-Charente-Lussant into D1 is surprising and detrimental. A request for interim relief should be filed with the administrative court in the coming days. The club remains hopeful of an institutional revival,” continues the Parisian lawyer.
In the meantime, after two withdrawals in Departmental 2, the ESTL is obliged to start the championship, Saturday October 12 at home, against FC Périgny B. “After debate, our steering committee took this forced and forced decision on Tuesday evening. Indeed, in the event of a third withdrawal in D2, all our senior teams would be generally withdrawn,” explains Miguel Pascual, the maritime technical director.
Contacted, Pierrette Barrot, the president of the Charente-Maritime District, responded by written message. “The scheduling of all championships will take place as planned. Current regulations continue to apply. »
