French Cup uncertainty hangs over Bordeaux’s planned trip to ES Saintes, with Sunday’s third-round tie at risk after the amateur hosts said they could not take on the cost of staging it safely.
Key takeaways
- ES Saintes has indicated that it does not wish to host Bordeaux this weekend.
- The tie has already been postponed once and is now scheduled for Sunday.
- Security arrangements were estimated to cost around €40,000.
- Authorities expected approximately 2,000 Bordeaux supporters, including 200 ultras.
- Bordeaux has called on the French Football Federation and local stakeholders to find a viable solution.
Bordeaux seek a way to play
The Girondins were due to travel to Charente-Maritime for the Coupe de France third round, but Saintes’ vice-president raised concerns over the financial and logistical burden facing the amateur club.
The hosts’ reluctance is linked to the scale of the expected visiting support and the security operation required around the fixture. Bordeaux said it understood the pressure such an occasion places on a smaller club, particularly when public safety requirements become disproportionate for amateur sides.
In its response, Bordeaux also pointed to warnings previously made to the French Football Federation over the challenges created by its progression into regional football, where matches involving the club can demand security measures beyond the usual means of local opponents.
Federation and authorities urged to act
Bordeaux does not want the match to be cancelled and is continuing discussions with all concerned parties in search of an arrangement suited to the stadium and the circumstances.
The club said it was also in contact with its supporters in an effort to ensure any journey is structured and respectful towards the home side.
With no agreement in place on Friday morning, Bordeaux appealed for talks to continue between the federation, authorities and clubs. Its position was clear: the contest should be settled on the pitch, provided a plan can be put in place to protect everyone involved.
