Ineligible player issue daunts FC Nantes in Ligue 1

FC Nantes, the eight time league champions could forfeit their season-opening 2-0 win over Bastia after the Corsican side lodged an appeal against the result, claiming their opponents fielded an ineligible player.

Nantes substitute Abdoulaye Toure, who should have been suspended from Saturday’s game due to an accumulation of yellow cards according to French reports while playing for the club’s junior team in the CFA2, the fifth tier of French football, was fielded in the game when the side was leading 1-0. His inclusion in the Nantes side was ineligible according to SC Bastia challenge.

A statement from Bastia read: “Following various reports published today in various media, Sporting Club de Bastia can confirm they have challenged before the appropriate committee the participation of Abdoulaye Toure, who came on in the 67th minute in the match of week one of Ligue 1 between FC Nantes and SC Bastia.”

This was FC Nantes first appearance in the Ligue 1 after 2008, following their promotion last season. They brooked a turbulent close-season as they contested a FIFA transfer ban imposed over the signing of Guinea striker Ismael Bangoura and also a fine of 25,000 euros due to crowd trouble at May 17′s Ligue 2 clash with Sedan which according to French reports was converted into a one match penalty.