Former Champions League club relegated to THIRD tier after Liverpool owners pull out of takeover bid

BORDEAUX have been relegated to the French third division after Liverpool’s owners pulled out of a takeover deal.

The club had been in the Champions League during the 2009/10 season.

AFP

Bordeaux have been relegated to the third division in France[/caption]

The club reached the quarter-finals, having beaten Bayern Munich and Juventus in the group stages.

Bordeaux‘s run to the final was stopped by fellow French side Lyon as they lost 4-2 on aggregate.

However, the club will now be battling in the Championnat National division after being sanctioned after not being able to provide financial guarantees for next season.

A club statement read: “While discussions had resumed in recent days, FSG representatives indicated yesterday 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.

“The period which is opening should allow FC Girondins de Bordeaux to come back stronger and at the highest level.

“The club and its shareholder assure the supporters, and all stakeholders, of their desire to protect the interests of the club.”

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Fenway Sports Group, who own Liverpool, were in talks to takeover the club.

However, they have since withdrawn their interest after extensive discussions with the club’s stakeholders.

It is not the first time the French side has plunged into financial trouble.

In 2021, the club was placed into administration after American owner King Street withdrew financial support.

The club was then bought by Luxembourgish-Spanish businessman Gerard Lopez.

Bordeaux has won the French title six times in its history and is one of the biggest clubs in the country.

It suffered relegation to Ligue 2 in 2022 and has not yet been able to climb back into Ligue 1.

Last season they finished 12th in the second division but will now have to compete in the third division.

The club has had some footballing icons play for the team, such as Zinedine Zidane, Christophe Dugarry and Jean Tigana.

Current Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni came through the club’s youth academy.