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Bordeaux down and out again!

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What does a club get after winning six Ligue 1 titles? Relegation to the third tier, of course! If this riddle sounds unfamiliar, that is because the truth is stranger and sadder than fiction. Football Club des Girondins de Bordeaux, commonly known as Bordeaux, had a terrible 2021-22 season which ended in relegation to Ligue 2.

Somehow, things have gotten even worse now. The DNCG, French football’s financial watchdog, has announced an “administrative relegation” on Bordeaux, dropping them into the third tier. Bordeaux are accused of being mired in financial trouble. FC Villefranche Beaujolais are slated to replace Bordeaux in Ligue for 2022-23.

However, Les Girondins have seven days to appeal the decision and two weeks to come up with the necessary finances. So, what is the case all about, and what happens to the players?

 

Money problems for a while

Bordeaux have been in the throes of financial uncertainty since before the 2021-22 season began. They were almost relegated at the end of 2020-21, before appealing the decision followed by Gerard Lopez’s takeover.

However, the situation is much more precarious this time. Bordeaux finished in 20th place, conceding a ridiculous 91 goals and ending up with the worst goal difference (-39).

Lopez has had a history of being faulty with finances, which was the reason he was ousted from Lille.

Bordeaux need to come up with €40m fast if they are to avoid making relegation to Championnat National 1 a reality. However, that is looking more than a little complicated.

Who goes and who stays?

A part of the finances has already been raise through the sell-on clause included in Aurelien Tchouameni’s transfer to Real Madrid.

A figure of €11m is expected to arrive, but more could be on the way. Another former Bordeaux player, Jules Kounde, has heavily linked with a move to Chelsea from Sevilla.

The French club will get money from that deal too if it goes through. Moreover, the club’s statement mentioned “a guaranteed re-engagement of the majority shareholder of $10.4 million.”

In the same statement, they also mentioned “offers for a few players.” It remains to be seen who these players are, but there are clues. Hwang Ui-Jo was the top scorer over the past two league seasons.

His 22 goals should see some some mid-table clubs in Europe come for him. Another prospective departure could be Josh Maja, who spent the last season at Stoke City. The Nigerian has only a year left on his contract.

However, the major worry for Bordeaux will be getting back to Ligue 1. They had several players on loan for 2021-22, including AC Milan midfielder Yacine Adli and Bosnian defender Anel Ahmedhodzic.

Moreover, the crippling financial situation will not be eased even if they remain in Ligue 2. Lopez is supposed to inject €10m into the club from his company, Jogo Bonito. That plan also includes moving half of the club’s current debts, around €26m, to the company itself.

The future is bleak

Bordeaux are one of the proudest clubs in Ligue 1. Their last league crown came in 2009, and they played European football as little as three years ago. However, the past two seasons have been incredibly tough.

They had four managers, and a caretaker in charge during that span. Fans have been against Lopez for quite some time, and this news will only strengthen calls for an ownership change.

However, Bordeaux are not the only former Ligue 1 winners in deep trouble. Saint-Etienne, holders of 10 league championships, were also relegated to Ligue 2. That was followed by ugly scenes of fans storming the pitch with flares in protest.

Moreover, they are also under investigation by the DNCG for illegal transfers. Three agents have been arrested, with the club’s offices being searched. Nevertheless, Bordeaux’s worries are of the financial kind and the solutions are not coming either.

Ratul Ghosh
His name means Red and a fan of devilish food, which equals to his favourite team being Manchester United. Can be found sleeping or in front of the TV otherwise. Hates waking up early but loves staying up late for football.

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