Bordeaux’s appeal over their relegation to the third tier following their financial issues has been turned down by the FFF this afternoon, who have held up the decision taken by the DNCG – French football’s financial watchdog – three weeks ago.
After the club’s relegation to Ligue 2 following a catastrophic season in the top flight – conceding 91 goals and finishing rock bottom – owner Gérard Lopez had to present a credible roadmap in order to shore up the €40m deficit before the team could start life in the second tier.
Lopez had last week struck a new deal with the club’s creditors – former owners Fortress and King Street – over a transfer of half of the debts to his own company Jogo Bonito as well as guarantees over player sales this coming transfer window. However, the deal ostensibly did not suffice for the DNCG nor the FFF.
Bordeaux now find themselves on the brink, with Lopez himself having indicated that the club was too costly to be able to run in the National 1. As indicated by L’Équipe, the club can still file an appeal to the CNOSF, the French Olympic committee. As explained by 20 minutes, the club is expected to start next season in the 5th tier, with a change in ownership impossible given the time frame needed.
GFFN
