2021–22 Championnat National 3

The 2021–22 Championnat National 3 was the fifth season of the fifth tier in the French football league system in its current format. The competition is normally contested by 168 clubs split geographically across 12 groups of 14 teams, but this season had 169 clubs due to the administrative relegation of Gazélec Ajaccio. The teams included amateur clubs (although a few were semi-professional) and the reserve teams of professional clubs.

Championnat National 3
Season2021–22
Dates28 August 2021 to 12 June 2022
Promoted8 teams (see season outcomes)
Relegated36 teams (see season outcomes)
Top goalscorer22
(Ilyes Chaïbi, Thonon Evian)
Biggest home winGrandvillars 9–0 Valdahon-Vercel
Group E, Game week 16, 4 June 2022
Biggest away winEndoume Marseille 2–12 Rousset
Group D, Game week 30, 4 June 2022
Highest scoringEndoume Marseille 2–12 Rousset
Group D, Game week 30, 4 June 2022
All statistics correct as of 15:39, 23 June 2022 (UTC).

Teams

On 15 July 2021, the FFF ratified the constitution of the competition, and published the groups.[1]

Due to the non-completion of the 2020–21 season, the FFF declared that there would be no regular promotion or relegation from the division, and that any vacancies to be filled would be done on the basis of finishing positions in the 2019–20 season.[2][3]

Changes from 2020–21 season were as follows, affecting groups C, D, H and K:

Promotion and relegation

If eligible, the top team in each group is promoted to Championnat National 2. If a team finishing top of the group is ineligible, or declines promotion, the next eligible team in that group is promoted.

Generally, three teams are relegated from each group to their respective top regional league, subject to reprieves. Extra teams are relegated from a group if more than one team is relegated to that group from Championnat National 2. In the case that no teams are relegated to a group from Championnat National 2, one less team is relegated from that group to the regional league.[10]

Reserve teams whose training centres are categorised as category 2B or lower cannot be promoted to Championnat National 2 by the rules of the competition.

League tables

Group A: Nouvelle-Aquitaine

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1Stade Bordelais (P)2619525728+2962Promotion to National 2
2Bayonne2614574536+947
3Anglet2613673727+1045
4Bordeaux (res)26133104130+1142
5Poitiers2611875233+1941
6Chauvigny26115103631+538
7Libourne2610793740−337
8Neuville269894440+435
9Niort (res)26102143542−732
10Lège Cap Ferret2687113835+331
11Châtellerault2668122740−1326
12Bressuire (R)2667133452−1825Relegation to Regional 1
13Cognac (R)2665153363−3023
14Tartas (R)2656154463−1921
Source: [1]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated

Group B: Pays de la Loire

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1Saumur (P)2617635426+2857Promotion to National 2
2La Roche2616646429+3554
3Laval (res)2612773528+743
4Le Mans (res)26133104334+942
5Vertou[a]2612594439+540
6Poiré-sur-Vie26106103931+836[b]
7Pouzauges[c]26114114340+336[b]
8Challans[d]26115104743+434
9Fontenay2696113335−233
10Sablé2687113538−331[e]
11Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu2687113349−1631[e]
12Changé[f]2687113243−1131[e]
13La Châtaigneraie (R)2682163353−2026Relegation to Regional 1
14Sautron[g] (R)2631221562−479
Source: [2]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:

Group C: Centre-Val de Loire

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1Vierzon (P)2616555234+1853Promotion to National 2
2Ouest Tourangeau2612955342+1145
3Châteauroux (res)2612594340+341
4Chartres (res)26124105250+240[a]
5Montlouis-sur-Loire26124104549−440[a]
6Orléans (res)[b]26124104237+539
7Avoine Chinon2610883834+438[c]
8Saran[d]26123113335−238[c]
9Châteauneuf-sur-Loire26106102825+336
10Bourges Foot 18 (res)[e]26113124338+535
11Montargis2685133340−729
12Saint-Jean-le-Blanc2675143541−626
13Déols[f] (R)2675142641−1525Relegation to Regional 1
14Amilly (R)2648143047−1720
Source: [3]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:

Group D: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur-Corsica

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1Furiani-Agliani (P)2821346625+4166Promotion to National 2
2Cannes2819275321+3259
3Nice (res)2815675630+2651
4Lucciana28162105336+1750
5Gazélec Ajaccio2814774927+2249
6Cannet Rocheville2813784833+1546
7Rousset2812975841+1745
8Corte28142124144−344
9Côte Bleue28124123536−140
10AC Ajaccio (res)28116113636039
11Istres28107114339+437
12Athlético Marseille[a] (D, R, R, D)2894155256−430Revival in District Provence
13Endoume Marseille[b] (R)2883172955−2624Relegation to Regional 1
14Saint-Jean Beaulieu (R)2816212177−569
15Mandelieu (R)28102722106−843
Source: [4]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(D) Disqualified; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:

Group E: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1Racing Besançon[a] (P)2617635127+2457Promotion to National 2
2Sochaux (res)2615655226+2651[b]
3Gueugnon2615654316+2751[b]
4Jura Dolois[c]2613584435+943
5Besançon Football2612683936+342
6Grandvillars26131124439+540
7Dijon (res)26106103930+936
8Montceau2696113636033
9Pontarlier2695123641−532[d]
10Saint-Apollinaire2688102647−2132[d]
11Is-Selongey2687113831+731
12Morteau-Montlebon2676133343−1027
13Paron (R)2663171847−2921Relegation to Regional 1
14Valdahon-Vercel (R)2633202166−4512
Source: [5]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:

Group F: Grand Est

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1Colmar (P)2618534920+2959Promotion to National 2
2Raon-l'Étape2613944727+2048[a]
3ESTAC Troyes (res)2613945436+1848[a]
4Sarre-Union2612684733+1442
5RC Strasbourg (res)2610973528+739
6Biesheim2610793441−737
7Thaon26105114140+135[b]
8Mulhouse[c] (R)26106104538+735[b]Relegation to Regional 1
9Nancy (res)26105114736+1135[b]
10Prix-lès-Mézières[d]2697102738−1132
11Épernay2687113139−831
12Illkirch-Graffenstaden2659123448−1424
13St-Louis Neuweg[e] (R)2674153047−1722Relegation to Regional 1
14Amnéville[f] (R)2630231868−507
Source: [6]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:

Group H: Occitanie

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1Alès (P)2619345222+3060Promotion to National 2
2Agde2613763623+1346
3Aigues-Mortes2612774027+1343
4Toulouse (res)2611874530+1541
5Stade Beaucairois26114114340+337
6Balma[a]2610793137−636
7Castanet26104123840−234[b]
8Alberes Argelès2681083536−134[b]
9Narbonne (R)2696113344−1133[c]Relegation to Regional 1
10Rodez (res)268994949033[c]
11Blagnac (R)2688103531+432Relegation to Regional 1
12Nîmes (res) (R)2667132939−1025
13Muret (R)26410122345−2222
14Fabrègues (R)2656151743−2621
Source: [7]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:

Group I: Hauts-de-France

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1Wasquehal (P)2616554623+2353Promotion to National 2
2Feignies Aulnoye[a]2615743721+1651
3Olympique Marcquois2612774227+1543
4Lille (res)26133104329+1442
5AC Amiens2611783225+740
6Maubeuge2611694032+839
7Valenciennes (res)26106103940−136
8Amiens SC (res)26105113940−135
9Vimy2694133338−531[b]
10Croix2694133437−331[b]
11Chantilly2686122944−1530
12Saint-Omer (R)2678112033−1329Relegation to Regional 1
13Boulogne (res)[c] (R)2683152035−1526
14Le Touquet[d] (R)2655162959−3018
Source: [8]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:

Group J: Normandy

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1Évreux (P)2619346924+4560Promotion to National 2
2Oissel26141024123+1852
3Dieppe2616283832+650
4Alençon2612863724+1344
5Vire2610975344+939
6Le Havre (res)[a]2610794126+1536[b]
7Saint-Lô269983541−636[b]
8Quevilly-Rouen (res)269893436−235
9Cherbourg2686123440−630[c]
10Dives-Cabourg2693143541−630[c]
11Avranches (res)2661192840−1229
12AG Caen2677124550−528
13Romilly (R)2646162258−3618Relegation to Regional 1
14Bayeux (R)2625191851−3311
Source: [9]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:

Group K: Brittany

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1Rennes (res) (P)2615476134+2749[a]Promotion to National 2
2Milizac2614755329+2449[a]
3Fougères2615385331+2248
4Brest (res)2613586245+1744
5Saint-Colomban Locminé2612775932+2743
6Dinan-Léhon2611964625+2142
7Pontivy2612593835+341
8Stade Briochin (res)2611785346+740
9Lannion26115104840+838
10TA Rennes26106103837+136
11Stade Pontivyen (R)2696113848−1033Relegation to Regional 1
12Plouzané (R)2666142951−2224
13Guipry Messac (R)2637163167−3616
14Trégunc (R)26112418107−894
Source: [10]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:

Group L: Île-de-France

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1Racing Club[a] (P)2519336220+4260Promotion to National 2
2Paris FC (res)2614754731+1649
3Blanc-Mesnil2611963730+742
4Brétigny2610973739−239[b]
5Aubervilliers2610973132−139[b]
6Paris Saint-Germain (res)2610793536−137
7Linas-Montlhéry26106103538−336
8Drancy[a]2596103128+333
9Ivry2686123744−730
10Les Mureaux2685132635−929
11Les Ulis2683152542−1727
12Créteil (res) (R)2668122631−526Relegation to Regional 1
13Mantes[c] (R)26510112631−523
14Meaux Academy[d] (R)26410121634−1821
Source: [11]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:

Group M: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion or relegation
1Thonon Évian (P)2617635926+3357Promotion to National 2
2Chambéry2615475731+2649
3Saint-Étienne (res)2613944728+1948
4Ain Sud2613854023+1747
5Bourgoin-Jallieu2612774436+843[a]
6Hauts Lyonnais2612774538+743[a]
7Limonest2697104137+434[b]
8Vaulx-en-Velin2697104040034[b]
9Montluçon2688103642−632
10Clermont (res)2685133950−1129
11Lyon La Duchère (res)[c]2677122632−627
12Velay (R)2657142544−1922Relegation to Regional 1
13Aurillac (R)2647153458−2419
14Moulins (R)2635182573−4814
Source: [12]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head results; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) fair play points; 7) draw
(P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Notes:

Top scorers

As of 12 June 2022. [38]
RankPlayerClubGoals
1 Ilyes ChaïbiThonon Evian22
2 Kamal DadiVierzon21
3 Mehdi JakiAnglet20
Oumar GassamaSaint-Jean-le-Blanc
Stan JannoStade Briochin (res)
Mamadou DialloBlanc-Mesnil
7 Hatim FarRodez (res)19
Wail BouhouttSaumur
Balamine SavaneRacing Club
10 Jérémy BillyLa Roche18
Sofiane BourouisLucciana
Ikauar MendésÉvreux
Sofiane Sidi AliRousset

Season outcomes

Promotion

Stade Bordelais, Saumur, Vierzon, Furiani-Agliani, Racing Besançon, Colmar, Alès, Wasquehal, Évreux, Rennes (res), Racing Club and Thonon Évian finished in the promotion places, and were promoted to 2022–23 Championnat National 2, subject to ratification by the FFF and DNCG.

Relegation

Bressuire, Cognac, Tartas, La Châtaigneraie, Sautron, Saint-Jean-le-Blanc, Déols, Amilly, Istres, Athlético Marseille, Marseille Endoume, Saint-Jean Beaulieu, Mandelieu, Paron, Valdahon-Vercel, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, Saint-Louis Neuweg, Amnéville, Blagnac, Nîmes (res), Muret, Fabrègues, Saint-Omer, Boulogne (res), Le Touquet, Romilly, Bayeux, Stade Pontivyen, Plouzané, Guipry Messac, Trégunc, Créteil (res), Mantes, Meaux Academy, Velay, Aurillac and Moulins finished in the relegation zones and were relegated to Régional 1 for the 2022–23 season, subject to any reprieves confirmed in the next section.

Reprieves

On 14 June 2022, the Occitanie league announced that Narbonne were to be deducted 3 points for not entering a team in the Coupe Gambardella, which is a mandatory rule for competing in National 3. Narbonne appealed, claiming they did enter a team, received a bye in the first round, and forfeited the second round.[39] The decision was upheld on appeal on 21 July 2022. As a result Rodez (res) are reprieved from relegation in Group H.[40]

On 20 June 2022, the DNCG announced that Stade Plabennécois, relegated from 2021–22 Championnat National 2, would be further relegated to Régional 1 level, due to financial issues. The decision is subject to appeal. If the decision is upheld, a reprieve would be required in Group K: Brittany. This would see Stade Pontivyen reprieved.[41]

On 28 June 2022, the Centre-Val de Loire league announced that Tours FC were to be denied promotion from Régional 1 for financial reasons.[42] The decision was overturned on appeal.[43]

On 1 July 2022, the DNCG upheld its previous decision to relegate Béziers from 2021–22 Championnat National 2, reprieving Romorantin.[44] As a result, an extra club would be relegated from Group H: Occitanie, namely Rodez (res), and a club would be reprieved from Group C: Centre-Val de Loire, namely Saint-Jean-le-Blanc

Also on 1 July 2022, the FFF confirmed that Monaco (res), already relegated from 2021–22 Championnat National 2, had declined to participate in Championnat National 3. Therefore, Istres were reprieved from relegation in Group D.[45]

On 12 July 2022, the Grand Est league announced that Mulhouse were to be relegated to Régional 1 for financial reasons. This is subject to appeal. If the decision is upheld, a reprieve would be required in Group E. In all likelihood, due to the short amount of time until the groups for 2022–23 are published, Illkirch Graffenstaden will be reprieved and Mulhouse will be added back to the group if the appeal is successful.[46] Relegation was confirmed when the club was placed into receivership on 21 July 2022.[47]

References