AS Monaco Basket: the FFBB confirms the refusal of entry into Betclic Elite and Elite 2, new appeal to come

The appeals chamber of the French Basketball Federation confirmed on Saturday the rejection of AS Monaco Basketball’s registration in Betclic Elite and Elite 2 for the 2026-2027 season. The reigning French champions, however, retain the possibility of contesting this decision through appeals.

A bombshell in French basketball. AS Monaco Basketball will not compete, at this stage, in the Betclic Elite and Elite 2 professional championships. The appeals chamber of the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) confirmed the rejection of the club’s registration for the 2026-2027 season.

This decision follows an appeal filed by AS Monaco Basketball against the rejection pronounced by the Superior Management Board. The Monegasque leaders were heard on July 20 at the Federation’s headquarters to defend the takeover project presented to ensure the club’s future.

Following this hearing, the appeals chamber granted an additional deadline until July 31 to allow the submission of the final supporting documents.

According to the FFBB, these documents were ultimately not submitted within the specified timeframe. The appeals chamber therefore confirmed the contested decision and rejected AS Monaco Basketball’s registration in both professional divisions.

This decision comes as the club emerges from a French championship title and a takeover project was supposed to restart sporting activity.

Helen Holdings’ takeover project compromised

For several weeks, the future of the Roca Team has rested on a takeover project led by Helen Holdings. This plan was to allow AS Monaco Basketball to restart with a budget exceeding 10 million euros and recruitment focused on several French internationals.

The validation of this takeover depended in particular on the submission of financial and administrative elements requested by the authorities. Due to documents not being produced within the deadline set by the appeals chamber, the process could not be completed favorably.

AS Monaco Basketball now has new avenues for appeal. Before any referral to the administrative court, the club must first file an appeal with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF), in accordance with the Sports Code.

For its part, the National Basketball League (LNB) reacted in a statement: “The LNB takes note of the decision by the Appeals Chamber of the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) to confirm the rejection of AS Monaco Basketball’s registration in Betclic ELITE and ELITE 2 for the 2026/2027 season. The LNB remains vigilant regarding any further developments in the procedure and will make no further comment on the matter.”

The coming weeks will be decisive for the future of the Monegasque club. The outcome of the appeals will determine the possibility of seeing the takeover project succeed and allowing AS Monaco Basketball to regain a place in professional championships.