Bordeaux to stay in third tier after losing appeal
Bordeaux's relegation to the third tier of French football has been confirmed by the DNCG (National Directorate of Management Control), which has dismissed the club's appeal against its demotion.
Bordeaux – which has won Ligue 1 on six occasions, finished bottom of the top flight last season and was preparing for a first second-tier campaign since the early 1990s, only to be handed a further demotion to the Championnat National last month following a DNCG examination of its finances.
The club, which reportedly has debts close to €40million, immediately announced its intention to appeal, but the French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed their sanctions will stand on Tuesday.
Gerard Lopez, the owner of the 2009 Ligue 1 champion, said the financial implications of a relegation below Ligue 2 would be "catastrophic" last month, adding: "With its structure and costs, this club cannot exist in National 1."
Lopez also warned the club would risk having to file for bankruptcy, which could lead to a further demotion to below France's professional football pyramid, in the event of losing their appeal.
Bordeaux could reportedly still appeal to the French Olympic Committee or look to have the decision suspended, but are nevertheless set to conduct a fire sale of first-team players in the transfer window.
