The French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed that Nantes and Ajaccio have been relegated to the Ligue 2 following their poor performances during the 2020-2021 season.
Nantes, who finished bottom of the table with just two wins all season, were automatically relegated after failing to secure a place in the playoffs. The club's fans will be disappointed as they had high hopes for the new season.
Meanwhile, Ajaccio, who also struggled throughout the campaign, were also relegated due to finishing in last place. The club's chairman, Jean-Pierre Rivère, said that he was "devastated" by the relegation news.
Despite their relegations, both clubs have been safeguarded from promotion to Ligue 1. This means that neither team will be competing against the top-flight sides next season, although there is still some uncertainty about the future of both teams.
In contrast, Clermont, who finished third in the league, have been promoted to Ligue 1. The club's manager, Pascal Dupraz, expressed his delight at the promotion and said that it was "a fantastic achievement".
Overall, this season's results have highlighted the challenges faced by French football clubs in recent years. Despite the struggles of Nantes and Ajaccio, there are still reasons to be optimistic for the future of French football, especially with the addition of Clermont to the top flight.