French club Bordeaux relegated to fifth tier

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Former French greats Bordeaux announced on Tuesday they have been relegated to the fifth tier by the sport’s financial watchdog (DNCG).

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The fourth division club, who won the last of their six Ligue 1 crowns in 2009, and their owner Gerard Lopez failed to fill a hole worth nine million euros ($10.3million).

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They have been in talks with British firm Sparta Capital over a takeover since April.

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“The club intend to appeal the decision in the timeframe set out in the regulations,” they said.

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“This process will allow FC Girondins de Bordeaux to finalise the financing of the 2026–2027 season and to present all updated information to the appeals committee, which will convene in around 15 days,” they added.

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On Monday, the club told AFP Sparta would provide 10 million euros to help them finance the new season.

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Les Girondins were dropped down from Ligue 2 to Nationale 2 in 2024 after filing for bankruptcy and became an amateur club for the first time in almost 90 years.

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Icons such as Zinedine Zidane, Jean Tigana and Bixente Lizarazu played for Bordeaux.

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AFP

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