Bordeaux’s Decline and Bankruptcy Announcement
In July 2024, the French football world was left in shock as Bordeaux, a six-time Ligue 1 champion, announced its bankruptcy. On July 25, the club declared it would undergo a complete restructuring and forfeited its professional status. As a result, Bordeaux was relegated to the fourth tier of French football, the Championnat National 2, for the 2024/25 season.
Years of Financial Mismanagement
Bordeaux’s downfall had been brewing for years, worsened by financial mismanagement and ownership changes. The club had already faced two relegations due to financial irregularities. Initially, Bordeaux planned to appeal these decisions but eventually withdrew their motions. Celebrating its centenary in 2020, the once-proud club now faced the harsh reality of rebuilding from the lower leagues.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Mediapro Collapse
The financial strain on Bordeaux intensified with the COVID-19 pandemic and the abrupt end of the 2019/20 Ligue 1 season. This led to significant revenue losses for the club. The situation worsened when Mediapro, a Spanish multimedia company, pulled out of a €780 million broadcasting rights deal with French football just months after signing it. This left clubs like Bordeaux in an even more precarious financial position.
Ownership Challenges Under King Street and Gerard Lopez
In April 2021, Bordeaux entered bankruptcy proceedings after its American owner, King Street, withdrew financial support. King Street had invested €53 million since acquiring the club in December 2019 but ultimately pulled out. Bordeaux was then sold to Luxembourg-Spanish businessman Gerard Lopez, who aimed to restore the club to its former glory. Unfortunately, under Lopez’s ownership, Bordeaux continued to decline. The club finished last in the 2021/22 Ligue 1 season, marking their first relegation in 31 years. Despite overturning an initial demotion to the Championnat National, they could not escape another relegation in 2023.
Bordeaux’s Relinquishment of Professional Status
On July 25, 2024, Bordeaux informed the French Football Federation (FFF) of their decision to relinquish their professional status. The club accepted its fate and hoped that competing in the lower leagues would help them regain financial stability and work towards returning to the top of French football.
Bordeaux’s New Beginning in the Lower Leagues
Bordeaux played their first match in the Championnat National 2 on August 31, 2024, drawing 1-1 against Stade Poitevin. In a surprising moment, goalkeeper Lassana Diabate scored a last-minute equalizer. Despite this glimmer of hope, the club’s future remains uncertain.
Calls for Change in Leadership
Many fans, along with former Bordeaux star Bixente Lizarazu, blamed Gerard Lopez for the club’s financial mismanagement and lack of on-field success. Lizarazu publicly called for Lopez to step down, reflecting the widespread sentiment that a leadership change is necessary for Bordeaux’s recovery.
