Historic French side Girondins Bordeaux on the brink of collapse

These are very difficult times for Girondins Bordeaux. This historic French club, well known throughout the country, is very close to disappearing due to financial problems. The situation seems to be coming to an end according to information from Hanif Ben Berkane.

As reported by the ‘Foot Mercato’ journalist, bankruptcy is fast approaching for the French club, which may be living its last moments of life. In fact, the aforementioned source even points out that the players themselves have already been warned of this fact in the last few hours.

Girondins' problems are not new. In July 2021, the Professional Football League sanctioned the club with relegation to Ligue 2 after the American fund King Street stopped supporting the club. It was then that businessman Gerard Lopez entered the scene to take over a debt that exceeded 40 million.

In this way, the institution held its own in the top flight of French football until it was relegated to the Ligue 2 in the 2021-22 season. As if that were not enough, the National Management Control Directorate (DNCG), the body that oversees the economic functioning of clubs, relegated the team to National 1 (Third Division). In the end, the ‘Marine et Blanc’ were saved via the offices.

After finishing the 2022-23 season just 3 points away from direct promotion and the 2023-24 season in mid-table - 12th place - the Girondins are facing a serious problem with their financial health. The club needs 40 million by 23rd July to avoid relegation to the third tier and it doesn't look like they are going to get it.

It seemed that Fenway Sports Group, owner of Liverpool, might be able to save the club, but negotiations broke down due to the high cost of the stadium in the coming years and the general economic situation in French football (TV deal). These were the reasons described by the club itself in a statement. The possibility of a miracle for a six-time Ligue 1 champion is only 6 days away.

 

July 16, 2024