Last month, the FFF (French Football Federation) held a general assembly and voted for a third women’s national division – “D3 Féminine” – which will sit between the Women’s Division 2 and regional championships.
Previously there had been a Division 3 between 2002 and 2010. It was deemed necessary to revive the third division for two reasons: 1) reorganising French women’s football in COVID-19 times 2) reducing the gap between regional divisions (R1F) and the D2 Féminine (D2F). The huge gap between regional and national levels meant some promoted clubs found it difficult to achieve stability. Including a D3 means more homogeneity and accessibility for clubs to reach their best level of performance. FFF is aiming to “identify an elite beyond D1 Arkema and strengthen the structure of clubs”.
D2 Féminine (D2F):
Currently divided into two groups of 12 teams, the D2 will have one group of 12 teams from the 2023-24 season, similar to England, Germany, Italy and Spain. Consequently, the six lowest-ranked teams of Group A and Group B in 2022-23 will be relegated to D3.
D3 Féminine (D3F):
In year zero (2023-24), the newest division will be composed of the 12 relegated teams from D2 plus 12 promoted teams from Régional 1 (R1F). Teams will be split into two groups of 12 teams. D3F will be accessible to D1 Arkema reserve teams if their club meets certain requirements.
At the end of 2023-24 (and future seasons), the two highest-ranked D3F teams will be promoted to D2F, while the two lowest-ranked D2F teams will be relegated to D3F. The six lowest-ranked D3F teams (the three lowest-ranked teams in each group) will be relegated to R1F and 6 R1F teams (the winners of the regional playoffs) will be promoted to D3F.
Regional play-offs (PAN – phase d’accession nationale):
As stated above, the R1F teams will battle in play-offs for promotion to D3F. PAN’s format remains the same: the 24 R1F winners will have to then win two playoff rounds (which are two leg fixtures) to earn a D3F place. If teams are tied on aggregate after two legs, the team which scored the most away goals wins. If there is still a tie, the winner will be decided on penalties.
