Grand Nancy Métropole Handball Facing Deep Sporting and Financial Crisis
French Grand Nancy Métropole Handball is currently in the midst of a severe sporting and financial crisis. On Tuesday, the club’s appeal was rejected by the French Handball Federation’s financial control body, CNACG. This means that, as things stand, Nancy will not be allowed to participate in next season’s Proligue – the second-highest handball division in France.
This decision comes despite reports from local media that the club has improved its financial situation, recorded a surplus in the latest fiscal year, and has strong backing from the local municipality. However, CNACG maintains that the club’s financial guarantees remain insufficient, and as a result, Nancy has been denied a license to compete.
Nancy has now submitted a final appeal to the French national sports arbitration body, CNOSF. Yet, according to Le Républicain Lorrain, the chances of a reversal are slim. Historically, CNOSF rarely overturns decisions made by CNACG.
This uncertainty has already caused significant concern among players, staff, and sponsors, who now face the real possibility that the club may not survive as a professional entity. If CNOSF upholds the decision, the club could face administrative relegation – or even complete dissolution.
Later in the day, it was confirmed by the LNH (National Handball League) that Saintes will take Nancy’s place in the Proligue. This could very well mark the end of the road for a club that has been part of the French handball landscape for decades.
