The 2013–14 Ligue 2 was the 75th season of the French Ligue 2, the second tier of professional football in France. The season began on August 2, 2013, and concluded on May 16, 2014.
Overview The league comprised 20 teams, each playing 38 matches over the course of the season (a double round-robin format). Teams earned three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss. The primary objectives for clubs in Ligue 2 are to achieve promotion to Ligue 1 or avoid relegation to the Championnat National (the third tier).
Promotion to Ligue 1 The top three teams at the end of the season were promoted to Ligue 1 for the 2014–15 season.
- FC Metz secured the championship title, finishing first with 76 points. Their promotion marked a return to the top flight after a five-year absence.
- RC Lens finished in second place with 71 points, also earning direct promotion back to Ligue 1.
- SM Caen secured the third and final promotion spot, finishing with 66 points.
Relegation to Championnat National Typically, the bottom three teams are relegated to the Championnat National. However, due to administrative decisions and financial issues affecting clubs in lower divisions, the relegation structure for the 2013–14 season was unusual.
- CA Bastia (19th place) and FC Istres (20th place) were directly relegated to the Championnat National.
- LB Châteauroux, which finished in 18th place, typically a relegation spot, managed to retain its place in Ligue 2 for the following season. This was a consequence of Luzenac AP, a club promoted from the Championnat National, being denied professional status and thus not allowed to participate in Ligue 2, creating an extra vacancy in the league.
Statistical Leaders
- The top goalscorer for the season was Andy Delort of Tours FC, who netted 24 goals.
Significance The 2013–14 Ligue 2 season was a competitive campaign that saw the return of historically significant clubs like FC Metz and RC Lens to Ligue 1, highlighting the fluctuating fortunes within French professional football. The administrative complexities regarding promotion and relegation also underscored the financial pressures and regulatory environment within the sport.