Six-time French champions Bordeaux is said to be in debt of around 40 million euros. The Control Commission of the DNCG (Direction nationale du contrôle de gestion du football professionnel français), which oversees the finances of French clubs, has ruled that Bordeaux should not participate in Ligue 2, but in National 1.
The club appealed and came up with a strategy to improve its financial situation, but to no avail. The FFF appeals committee confirmed the relegation to the 3rd level.
“The decision of the FFF Appeals Committee jeopardizes the club’s survival,” Bordeaux said in a statement.
Bordeaux’s chairman is Gérard Lopez, owner of (former) 1B club Royal Excel Mouscron. The club filed for bankruptcy at the end of May.
“The decision is unacceptable and incomprehensible,” Lopez said. “I say it very clearly tonight to the fans, to the people of Bordeaux and to everyone who has our club colors in his blood: I will fight to the end and that is why we have decided to appeal against this unjust decision.”
