Nîmes Olympique excluded from national competitions by DNCG | OneFootball

Nîmes Olympique have been excluded from national competitions by French football’s financial watchdog, the DNCG, in a damning decision that could see the club drop into the sixth-tier Régional 1.

The ruling, confirmed on Tuesday, marks a dramatic fall from grace for the 1996 Coupe de France winners and former Ligue 1 outfit. It follows months of financial uncertainty, internal instability, and growing discontent toward controversial president Rani Assaf. The club had been granted a brief reprieve last week but failed to provide the necessary financial guarantees.

Meanwhile, fellow National side La Berrichonne de Châteauroux has been hit with a strict salary cap, imposed by the DNCG after a review of their accounts. The Berry club, owned by Abdullah bin Musaid Al Saud, will be forced to limit spending as it continues its own struggle to stabilise financially.

These latest rulings come amid broader concerns over the economic viability of French clubs outside the top flight, with many dependent on local authorities, municipal support, and fragile ownership models.There was good news elsewhere, however, as the DNCG validated the promotions of FC Fleury 91, Le Puy Foot 43 Auvergne and Stade Briochin to the Championnat National. All three clubs met the regulatory and financial requirements necessary for third-tier status next season.GFFN | George Boxall