By Milcah Tanimu
Former Ligue 1 powerhouse Bordeaux has renounced its professional status and terminated player contracts following their relegation to the third tier of French football. The six-time French champions have faced financial difficulties for years and were relying on a takeover by Liverpool owners FSG to stabilize their situation. However, the takeover collapsed, leading Bordeaux to accept their demotion and renounce their professional status, which they had held since 1937.
In a statement, Bordeaux confirmed that FSG representatives decided not to proceed with the takeover despite assurances from various stakeholders. Consequently, Bordeaux withdrew their appeal against the administrative demotion decision made by the DNCG on July 9, 2024. The club will now compete in the National 1 Championship for the 2024/2025 season and must present its budget to the DNCG again.
Bordeaux’s decline has been stark, going from winning Ligue 1 in 2009 to the lowest point in the club’s history over the past 13 years. With the decision to abandon professional status, all player contracts will be terminated, and the training center will be closed to cut costs, marking an end to three years of struggle since the club initially went into administration in 2021.
