Girondins de Bordeaux can legally reclassify six players from federal contracts to amateur status for their upcoming campaign in Régional 1 because French Football Federation regulations restricting clubs to three such reclassements apply strictly to National 1 and National 2 divisions, Foot Amateur reported.
Why Does the FFF Limit Federal Reclassifications in National Divisions?
Under standard French Football Federation rules governing National 1 and National 2 tiers, clubs restructuring their squads face a strict cap permitting them to transition a maximum of three players from federal contracts down to amateur status. Because the squad in question operated under federal agreements during the previous season, initial questions arose regarding how the club could exceed this standard threshold.
What Are the Rules for Régional 1?
The regulatory framework changes entirely following the club’s descent into Régional 1. In this regional division, regulations cap federal contracts at a maximum of five on any given match sheet, yet no explicit rule limits the number of player reclassifications to amateur status. An unnamed advisor with experience working for former professional clubs noted that managers possess extensive flexibility at this level, confirming that even players operating professionally a season prior can take on amateur classifications under regional guidelines.
Which Players Are Affected by the Status Change?
Six members of the squad who trained with the Bordeaux setup—Ruben Droehnle, Léo Jousselin, Nadjib Cissé, Driss Trichard, Steve Shamal, and Soufiane Bahassa—qualify for free amateur licenses. Because these individuals remained with the club through the previous campaign, they are exempt from standard mutation fees. Conversely, incoming players arriving from external clubs ahead of the 2025–2026 season who seek amateur reclassification will face categorization as out-of-period mutated players.
What Lies Ahead for the Remaining Squad Members?
Club management continues to evaluate the employment and contractual futures of the remaining players outside this initial group. Decision-makers must determine whether these athletes will maintain salaried positions directly with Girondins de Bordeaux or secure external employment alongside their athletic commitments. Maintaining club-backed salaries represents the most probable outcome as leadership prepares for a potential future return to national-level competition.
