The takeover of Girondins de Bordeaux falls through, the club in great danger

Another blow to the Girondins de Bordeaux. Administratively demoted as a precautionary measure to National 1 after its appearance before the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) on July 9, the club announced on Tuesday, July 16, the withdrawal of the Fenway Sports Group from negotiations. The group, owner of Liverpool FC, the Pittsburgh Penguins (ice hockey) and the Boston Red Sox (baseball), had contacted the owner, Gerard Lopez, several weeks ago, and had even participated in the Girondins’ hearing before the DNCG on Tuesday, July 9.

The American investor, who specialises in the management of sports clubs, was expected by the Navy and Whites to look after the club’s finances and convince the DNCG that it could continue to exist in French professional football.

Lacking sufficient financial guarantees from the football financial watchdog, Gérard Lopez, the club’s president since 2021, was counting on a buyout. Negotiations, although very advanced with Fenway Sports Group, fell through. In a press release, the Girondins de Bordeaux gave the reasons for this withdrawal.

“This decision is explained in particular by the significant cost of the stadium in the years to come, but also by the general economic context of French football. FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Gérard Lopez thank Fenway Sports Group for the interest shown in the club, as well as its teams for having traveled to meet its stakeholders. The club and its shareholder are now putting all their energy into finalizing a financing plan for the 2024-2025 season in preparation for the appeal hearing.”

To return to Ligue 2 next season, Bordeaux must provide between 30 and 40 million euros to clear its debts. Gerard Lopez has appealed the relegation to National following the latest decision. A final hearing is scheduled for Tuesday 23 or Wednesday 24 July, depending on South WestThe future of the Girondins de Bordeaux is therefore once again in danger.