After filing for bankruptcy for the second time in three years, Rouen was administratively relegated to CFA 2 for the 1998-1999 season.
The start of the season was difficult, but by mid-November, the team had racked up nine consecutive wins and taken the lead in the championship.
This string of successes was accompanied by a heroic run in the Coupe de France. After entering the competition in the third round, Rouen successively eliminated Caen (D2), Pacy-sur-Eure, Sarrebourg, Saint-Denis-Saint-Leu, and La Montagnarde, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in 15 years. Facing Sedan (D2), Rouen lost 2-0 but came out with their heads held high.
In the championship, Rouen ended the season with a series of victories and secured promotion to CFA on the 28th day, after a 2-0 victory against Argentan at Diochon. Fans were able to celebrate the club’s return to CFA in its centenary year!