Bordeaux to play in the sixth tier after financial crisis

Bordeaux’s financial crisis has sent the club down to the sixth tier. Six-time French champions Bordeaux will play in the regional first division this season, with its participation confirmed after official approval. The control commission of the Ligue de Nouvelle-Aquitaine gave a favourable opinion on the new management’s recovery budget, and permission was granted unanimously.

The club was sanctioned last summer after failing to raise nearly 10 million euros to meet its financial obligations for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 seasons and repay its debts. New president Dominique Delour told Agence France-Presse: « the rebuilding process can begin now ».

Last month, Bordeaux was sold for a symbolic euro to the American investment group Park Bench, which agreed to take on the remaining debts. The squad is currently made up mainly of amateur players. The club is authorised to recruit five players on professional contracts, including former Ligue 1 striker Baptiste Guillaume.

Across Bordeaux’s history, players such as Zinedine Zidane, Bixente Lizarazu, Christophe Dugarry, Alain Giresse and Jean Tigana have also come through its ranks. Participation in the regional championship now marks a step in the rebuilding process, in a division far removed from the top of French football.