Rejected from the Betclic Elite and then from National 1 by the French Basketball Federation, AS Monaco has appealed to the CNOSF to try to obtain its participation in the third division. The appeal comes just days before the championship resumes, while the Monaco case remains marked by financial and administrative difficulties. A final intervention whose outcome seems lost in advance.
AS Monaco Basketball has not given up. After the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) refused to authorize the Roca Team’s participation in National 1, the Monaco club has appealed to the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF). The information was confirmed Monday to AFP by Me Xavier Le Cerf-Galle, lawyer for AS Monaco.
The appeal should allow the club to present elements that could not be provided during the previous examination. Me Xavier Le Cerf-Galle indicated that he turned to the CNOSF “with the missing documents.” A step that came after several months of procedures surrounding the future of the Roca Team in French basketball.
On Saturday, the FFBB Federal Board had refused Monaco’s participation in National 1. The decision followed an unfavorable opinion from the Management Control Commission. The latter had found that the club could not “constitute a file justifying the sincerity and reliability of the financial situation of the company”
According to the Monaco lawyer, the document that was notably missing was “a certificate of certification of accounts.” This absence had weighed on the decision regarding access to the third division.
Why was National 1 refused to the Roca Team?
The FFBB’s refusal is therefore based mainly on the financial situation presented in the Monaco file. The Management Control Commission had issued an unfavorable opinion before the Federal Board confirmed this position on Saturday.
The Federation had already refused AS Monaco’s participation in professional championships. The decision, made for financial reasons, concerned Elite 1 and Elite 2. The Federation’s appellate chamber subsequently confirmed this exclusion.
The CNOSF had already been appealed to in this procedure. A new intervention by the French National Olympic and Sports Committee is now expected in the Roca Team case.
In recent weeks, the Roca Team had notably begun to build its squad. Axel Toupane and Kenny Kasiama had joined the Monaco project. Luka Asceric had also given his agreement. A fourth American reinforcement, who played for Rouen during the 2025-2026 season, was also announced.
The preparation of a National 1 team thus demonstrated a willingness to participate in the championship despite previous decisions. Axel Toupane notably has experience in the NBA, EuroLeague and with the French national team. Luka Asceric played for BC Vienna last season.
A schedule that leaves little time for Monaco
The main obstacle for the Roca Team now concerns the schedule. National 1 is set to resume this Friday. The appeal to the CNOSF thus comes just days before the competition begins.
Monaco’s previous appeal to the FFBB took twelve days before knowing its outcome. A similar delay would leave the Monaco club without an answer before the championship resumes.
The Roca Team thus finds itself awaiting a new decision, with a particularly tight schedule. Without validation of its participation in National 1, AS Monaco could remain outside French national championships for the 2026-2027 season.
The appeal to the CNOSF thus constitutes a new stage for the Principality club. A favorable outcome would still allow Monaco to join the third division, but the time available before the championship resumes reduces the possibility of a quick resolution.
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