France's 1993 European Cup champions Marseille were
sensationally relegated from the First Division todayby the French Football League's Financial Directoratefor lacking the necessary funds to continue among theelite.
Toulouse, who had already been relegated from the First Division having finished third from bottom, wererelegated to the Third Division for similar reasons.
Claude Simonet, President of the French FootballFederation, made the announcement in South Korea wherehe is attending the Confederations Cup.
"This decision was taken because of the differencebetween the outgoing expenses and those coming in tothe club," Simonet said.
"It leaves a lot to the imagination as to whether theycould correct this disparity.
"However, they have leave to appeal within the next twoweeks," he added.
AFP