it became official with the creation of the ltf in 1921 and its affiliation with the french federation of football. until 1939, the title of champion was attributed as a result of dams between the regional champions. but from 1946 to 1947, a championship of "excellence" (national division) was created and competes nationally. in 1944–1945, 1945–1946 and 1952–1953, the championship was not disputed and was replaced by a criterium (a kind of tournament pools where participation is voluntary).