Reigning Champion Club Kicked Out of French Top League

French basketball club AS Monaco has been excluded from the country's top professional league for the upcoming season. The reigning champions failed to provide adequate financial guarantees by the deadline, leading to their disqualification.

Although the club was given an extension to submit the required documentation, it could not satisfy the French Basketball Federation's demands. The federation announced that the national champion would not be permitted to participate in either the top or second division.

Monaco's financial situation had been a point of concern, with plans for investment from former NBA player Jamal Mashburn and U.S. investors falling short. While their proposed budget was substantial, financial oversight deemed the project too fragile. Despite this, the club intends to appeal the decision and continue its fight for a place in the French elite league.