The Guadeloupe league symbolism will remain only in the collections of soccer connoisseurs // Photo: footballkitarchive.com.
The reason for the decision was the protracted financial crisis faced by the league. According to L’Équipe, the Guadeloupe league was insolvent and its debts to creditors exceeded €1 million.
Allowed to finish the game
The Guadeloupe league, despite the court ruling, will continue to operate and will cease to function at the end of the season. Matches of the final round of the local top league will be held on May 16-17, after which soccer clubs in Guadeloupe will effectively lose their professional status.
The French Football Federation (FFF), which oversees the league, intends to create a new structure in the overseas department with a revised budget to meet the needs of the region.
Almost 70 years under the “wing” of Paris
The Guadeloupe league has been a full part of French soccer since 1958. To save the league, the FFF had previously allocated €300 thousand, which was used to pay off debts to creditors and the salaries of 16 full-time employees. These funds were not enough to correct the difficult financial situation.
The court decision will entail a temporary change of status of 38 clubs represented in the first and second divisions from professional to amateur. It is not reported whether the next season is planned.
Not part of FIFA
Guadeloupe is a 1.6 thousand square meter overseas department of France, located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It has a population of over 382,000 people.
The Guadeloupe soccer team cannot play in tournaments held under the auspices of FIFA. The local league is accredited by CONCACAF. This allows the national team to participate in regional competitions held in North, Central America and the Caribbean.
Guadeloupe is an island overseas department of France with an area of 1.6 thousand square meters, located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. The population is more than 382 thousand people.
