Bastia in double relegation nightmare

Paris (AFP) – Bastia were condemned to the third division by French football’s financial watchdog on Thursday, just over a month after the club was relegated from Ligue 1 after finishing rock bottom.

The DNCG gave no reason for the decision, but Bastia released a brief statement saying it was a “provisional relegation” and that they would look to offload players to balance the club’s accounts before the next hearing.

Bitter Corsican rivals Ajaccio, who finished 11th in Ligue 2 last season, were also banished to the third tier on Wednesday. They are expected to appeal the decision.

Bastia have staggered from one crisis to another since their surprise 2015 run to the League Cup final.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Lucas was hit on the head with a flag by a Bastia supporter last August, while Nice’s Italian striker Mario Balotelli was racially abused by Bastia fans in another game last season.

Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes was then assaulted during a pitch invasion in April, with Bastia forfeiting that match and ordered to close their ground for two matches. 

Club president Pierre-Marie Geronimi is also facing charges after he was accused of settling betting debts with company funds.