Ligue 1 side Bastia avoid penalty-imposed relegation

Corsican Ligue 1 side SC Bastia will remain in the top flight despite relegation threats from officials surrounding a €1.3-million budget deficit.

The National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) - a French organization responsible for monitoring the accounts of France's professional soccer clubs - ruled that Bastia would have their place in Ligue 1 revoked because of their failure to disclose their debt.

With the DNCG's threat looming over the club, Bastia were able to stave off relegation by selling Ryad Boudebouz to Montpellier for €1.7 million, canceling out the €1.3 million-deficit that forced the DNCG's decision.

Barring a disaster, it looks like the tiny island club that's produced the likes of Alex Song and Michael Essien will keep their place in Ligue 1 for the 2015-16 campaign, according to L'Equipe.

Last month, on June 30, the DNCG blocked the promotion of Ligue 2 side Troyes after the club was unable to provide the necessary financial assurances. The subsequent sale of striker Corentin Jean to Monaco allowed the club to meet the DNCG standards for promotion to the top flight, as was announced today.

- with translation from Four Four Two