The DNCG Federal Committee for the Control of Clubs, part of the French Football Federation (FFF), has announced that the
Bordeaux
The club would be relegated to the French 4th division, the Ligue du Din (National League B). During the hearing, Bordeaux defended the retention of their status in the French Ligue C, but were ultimately unsuccessful. Bordeaux have not yet issued any statement on the matter.
It has also been announced that FC Niort, already in the Fading League, will be relegated again. This decision has major implications for the future of both clubs.
According to previous news, Bordeaux's filing for receivership proceedings was accepted by the Commercial Court on Tuesday, meaning that all of the club's debts will be temporarily frozen. The move provides Bordeaux with some cushion and leeway to deal with its debt problems in the next 10 years.
FC Bordeaux has historically been a powerhouse in French soccer, winning the Ligue 1 title several times. This relegation is undoubtedly a huge blow to the club and its fans. However, the acceptance of the bankruptcy administration procedure may leave a ray of hope for the club's future development.
The relegation of FC Niall was equally regrettable and the club will need to retool and work its way back up in the lower divisions with a view to returning to a higher level in the future.
The relegation of two clubs has once again highlighted the challenges and pressures facing French soccer clubs in terms of financial management and operations. Going forward, finding a balance between financial health and competitive performance will be an issue that all clubs will have to face and address.
