FC Martigues has suffered the most severe decline in French football history, dropping from Ligue 2 directly to the departmental level, which club officials describe as a 'humiliation.'

This unprecedented relegation followed a poor final season where the team finished 17th in Ligue 2, and was compounded by administrative decisions that moved the club from Ligue 2 and National levels straight down to Régional 1 and then to the Departmental 3 level, bypassing usual regional tiers.

The club's relegation was further aggravated by the need to play home games at alternative venues due to stadium upgrades, and despite a promising start after returning to their stadium, they ultimately failed to avoid relegation, finishing just one point below the safety zone.

This administrative action was extraordinary and distressing, as it bypassed the typical regional tiers, marking a historic and unprecedented event in French football.

Club president Thierry Erisson expressed shock and frustration over the decision, highlighting the trauma inflicted on players and staff, and emphasizing that such a drastic relegation had never occurred in French football.

While the senior team's fortunes have plummeted, the club's leadership remains focused on navigating ongoing legal and procedural challenges, and they continue to take pride in their youth development efforts amid the crisis.

Despite the setbacks for the senior team, FC Martigues' youth teams continue to perform at a high level, maintaining the 'Élite jeunes' label since June 2024, offering some hope for the club's future.