Having already filed for bankruptcy this time last week, Bordeaux have been dealt a further blow this afternoon as their relegation to the fourth-tier National 2 was announced by the French FA this afternoon.
The six-time Ligue 1 champions, who have been plagued by financial troubles for the better part of a decade, had already been demoted to the third tier earlier this summer after failing to convince French football’s financial watchdog (DNCG) over their ability to balance the books.
Bordeaux had also renounced their professional status – which they first acquired in 1937 – which has led to the first-team squad leaving as free agents, and will eventually see the youth academy shut down. Earlier this week, the local commercial court accepted the Marine et Blanc request to begin administration proceedings based on their financial projections for the 3rd tier. The decision staved off the prospect of outright liquidation for now.
In a hearing earlier today with the French FA’s financial commission, the club were looking to plead in favour of remaining in the third tier in spite of these issues. They were ultimately unsuccessful. Bordeaux may yet lodge an appeal to the French Olympic committee, according to Sud Ouest.
GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin
