Former Ligue 1 giants Bordeaux give up professional status and terminate player contracts just days after being relegated to third tier

The six-time French champions were relying on a takeover from Liverpool owners FSG to save them from further penalties following financial struggles in recent years. But after the group pulled out, they have accepted relegation to the third tier and renounced their professional status, first obtained in 1937.

A statement earlier in the week regarding the takeover said: "While discussions had resumed in recent days, FSG representatives indicated yesterday Monday July 22 to FC Girondins de Bordeaux and its shareholder their desire not to follow through despite the assurances provided by various stakeholders.

"Therefore, in the absence of new elements, FC Girondins de Bordeaux withdrew the appeal lodged against the decision of the DNCG dated July 9, 2024. As a result, FC Girondins de Bordeaux accepts the sanction of administrative demotion within the National 1 Championship for the 2024/2025 season and will be summoned again to present its budget to the DNCG."

Bordeaux's fall from grace has been hard to watch. Having won Ligue 1 on six occasions, most recently in 2009, they have gone from the highest of highs to the lowest point in the club's history over the last 13 years.

With the subsequent action taken by Bordeaux, every player's contract will now be ripped up and the training centre will be closed to reduce financial costs. It ends three years of struggles having initially gone into administration in 2021.