Bordeaux’s long fall has reached the regional game, but a late financial intervention could still keep one of France’s most decorated clubs alive. The Girondins are in discussions with the American fund Park Bench over a takeover that could prevent judicial liquidation before the end of September.
A takeover route back from the brink
Bordeaux were definitively relegated to the regional divisions at the start of September, with the prospect of liquidation becoming increasingly real. Park Bench, working alongside British fund Sparta Capital, is now discussing an agreement to take control of the club and preserve its operations.
- During August, Park Bench sought to keep Bordeaux in the national pyramid, targeting either National 1 or National 2, the fourth and fifth tiers of French football.
- The attempt failed and the club’s drop into the regional leagues was confirmed.
- Park Bench initially withdrew, saying its proposal depended on Bordeaux remaining in a national championship.
- The fund’s representatives nevertheless remained in contact with the club and attended the commercial court hearing on Thursday.
- They extended the escrow arrangement for the €10.6 million required to avoid a suspension of payments and allow the club to continue operating.
A lawyer representing Bordeaux said an agreement was under discussion and that its completion would avert liquidation. The proposed deal would involve Park Bench acquiring the shares still held by current owner Gérard Lopez, while also renegotiating debts accumulated during his time in charge.
An agreement could be reached on Tuesday. If no takeover is completed, the club could be liquidated before the end of the month.
Regional decision still to come
Even if the purchase is finalised, Bordeaux will not return to the national levels this season. The regional financial control commission of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine league would examine the new owners’ plan and decide whether the six-time French champions enter Regional 1, Regional 2 or Regional 3.
Those divisions represent the sixth, seventh and eighth tiers respectively. Bordeaux have not played an official match so far this season.
Saintes cup tie remains uncertain
The club’s Coupe de France third-round trip to Saintes is also unresolved. The fixture had already been postponed by two weeks and is currently scheduled for Sunday at 15:00.
Saintes, who play in Départementale 2, said they could not host Bordeaux because of the expected financial burden, estimated at €40,000. The amateur side also faces the challenge of accommodating hundreds of visiting supporters split between two rival groups, the Ultramarines and North Gate.
Bordeaux said they want the match to go ahead. The club added that it understood the pressures and security requirements facing smaller amateur teams, while recalling that it had warned the French Football Federation during the summer about the difficulties and potential excesses that could follow a relegation into the regional leagues.
Neither the Charente-Maritime prefecture nor the French Football Federation had issued a response on Friday afternoon.
