The collapse of a football dream: how Racing Club de Grasse found itself on the brink of disappearance

Not long ago, Racing Club de Grasse was the pride of the city, playing in the National 2 - the fourth division of French football. But the summer of 2026 became a real nightmare for the club: exclusion from national competitions, relegation to the regional level, and now the threat of being at the very bottom of the football hierarchy - the District division. For Grasse, a city with rich football traditions, this was a low blow.

🏛 Rise and fall history: from National 2 to District

Founded in 1959, Racing Club de Grasse remained a modest local club for many years. Everything changed in 2017 when the team under the guidance of coach Loïc Chabas reached the National 2. Despite one of the lowest budgets in the division, the club consistently performed in the middle of the table, and created sensations in the French Cup several times.

• Key achievements of RC Grasse:
  • Promotion to National 2 in 2017
  • Victory over Ligue 2 clubs in the French Cup
  • Development of the youth academy, recognized as one of the best in the region

“Tant d’années de travail, d’histoire, de succès - et tout s’effondre en quelques semaines,” bitterly acknowledges former coach Loïc Chabas.

June 1, 2026 - the day that will go down in history as the black day for the club: the DNCG (football financial regulator) excluded RC Grasse from national competitions.

💸 Financial crisis: when money solves everything

The reasons for the current crisis lie in the club’s chronic financial problems. Unlike neighbouring Nice or Cannes, Grasse cannot boast wealthy sponsors. The main sources of funding are municipal subsidies and modest partnership contracts.

• Main financial problems of the club:
  • Budget deficit in the 2025/26 season exceeded 500,000 euros
  • Debt to players and coaching staff
  • Lack of a strategic investor

“La mairie reste et restera aux côtés du club,” says Gilles Rondoni, deputy mayor for sports. (“The municipality has been and remains in support of the club.”)

On July 15, 2026, the Mediterranean League confirmed the relegation of the club to District 1, which came as a shock to the entire city.

🏟 City in shock: Grasse’s reaction to the crisis

For the 50,000-strong Grasse, known primarily as the world capital of perfumery, the football club has always been an important part of the city’s identity. The 5,000-seat stadium “La Paoute” used to attract up to 2,000 fans on weekends - an impressive number for a fourth division club.

• How the city is reacting to the crisis:
  • Emergency meetings at the town hall
  • Collection of signatures among fans
  • Search for new sponsors among local businesses

“C’est un séisme pour la mairie, les Grassois,” admits Rondoni. (“This is an earthquake for the town hall and for the people of Grasse.”)

1959 - the year of the club’s foundation, whose history is now under threat.

⚽ Sports consequences: what awaits players and coaches

With the relegation to District (the 7th level of French football), the club faced a mass exodus of players. Most of the players who played in the National 2 are not prepared to play at the amateur level.

• Changes in the squad:
  • Departure of 18 out of 22 first-team players
  • Termination of contracts with the coaching staff
  • Transition to a semi-amateur status

“Je suis anéanti par la situation,” confesses former coach Chabas. (“I am crushed by the situation.”)

2017-2026 - nine years in the National 2, after which the club found itself on the brink of disappearance.

🤝 Fight for survival: plans to save the club

Despite gloomy forecasts, the club and the town hall do not lose hope. An appeal has been filed against the relegation decision, and urgent financing is being sought.

• Steps to save RC Grasse:
  • Appeal to the football federation
  • Negotiations with potential investors
  • Debt restructuring plan

“Il faut repartir du bon pied pour faire quelque chose de valable,” says club president Gérard Machini. (“We need to start on the right foot to make something worthwhile.”)

2026-2027 season - could be either a new beginning or the end of the club’s history.

📅 What’s next: calendar of crucial events

The coming weeks will be crucial for the future of the club. Various scenarios are being considered - from complete reorganization to merging with other regional clubs.

• Key dates:
  • July 20 - meeting of the appeals committee
  • August 1 - deadline for submitting applications for participation in the championship
  • August 15 - start of pre-season training

“Le Racing doit évoluer en National ou en Régional, pas en District !” insists Rondoni. (“Racing must play in the National or Regional division, not in the District!”)

2027 - by this time, the club hopes to return to the Regional division.

Photo: XT7 Core / Pexels