Girondins Bordeaux have forfeited their professional status after being demoted to the third tier of French football.
The six-time French champions were banking on a takeover from Liverpool owners FSG to rescue them from further penalties amid financial turmoil in recent years.
However, after the group backed out, they accepted relegation to the third tier and relinquished their professional status, which they had held since 1937.
A statement earlier in the week regarding the takeover read: “While discussions had resumed in recent days, FSG representatives indicated on Monday July 22 to FC Girondins de Bordeaux and its shareholder their desire not to follow through despite the assurances provided by various stakeholders.
“Therefore, in the absence of new elements, FC Girondins de Bordeaux withdrew the appeal lodged against the decision of the DNCG dated July 9, 2024.
“As a result, FC Girondins de Bordeaux accepts the sanction of administrative demotion within the National 1 Championship for the 2024/2025 season and will be summoned again to present its budget to the DNCG.”
Bordeaux’s decline has been painful to witness. Having won Ligue 1 six times, most recently in 2009, they have plummeted from their peak to the lowest point in the club’s history over the last 13 years.
Following this decision, all player contracts will be terminated, and the training center will be closed to cut costs. This marks the end of a three-year struggle that began with their initial administration in 2021.