Former Ligue 1 champions Bordeaux have shockingly announced that they are revoking their status as a professional club amidst financial struggles.
The 2023/24 campaign was the worst in Les Girondins’ history, with the club sinking to 13th in the Ligue 2 table, having finished third the previous season in their first-ever campaign in the second division of France. The club was later demoted even further to France’s third tier.
After failed discussions with Fenway Sports Group, which also owns Liverpool FC, it has been revealed that Bordeaux will be forced to become a semi-professional side to cut costs moving forward.
French outlet Sud Ouest Girondins confirmed that Bordeaux, which became a professional club in 1937, would no longer operate under that guise due to a reported €90 million debt. As a result, the playing staff will see their professional contracts terminated, and the training ground will be closed.
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Fenway Sports Group was in discussions to purchase the club from current owner Gerard Lopez. However, it was announced this week that negotiations had fallen through.
Consequently, the French Football Federation (FFF) will proceed with plans to relegate Bordeaux to the third division due to insufficient proof of the required funding to compete in Ligue 2.
The club released a statement following this to confirm such matters.
“While discussions had resumed in recent days, FSG representatives indicated yesterday, Monday July 22, to Bordeaux and its shareholder their desire not to follow through despite the assurances provided by various stakeholders.”Therefore, in the absence of new elements, Bordeaux withdrew the appeal lodged against the decision of the DNCG. As a result, Bordeaux accepts the sanction of administrative demotion to the Championnat National for the 2024-2025 season and will be summoned again to present its budget to the DNCG,” the statement read.
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