Liverpool owners in talks to buy Bordeaux as Fenway Sports Group pursue multi-club model

FSG confirmed on Tuesday that the organisation is in “the early stages of dialogue and engagement” with the Ligue 2 side. Bordeaux are seen as a strong option for FSG but The Athletic reports that there are many issues which could derail any potential deal.

Bordeaux have many financial problems to overcome, as the governing body in charge of French teams' finances has ruled that they should be demoted to the third tier from Ligue 2, though the club has vowed to appeal against the Direction Nationale du Controle de Gestion's (DNCG) decision. It is the second time the DNCG has called for Bordeaux to be relegated to the Championnat National, having done so in 2022 before the club won an appeal.

Bordeaux were placed into administration in 2021 and FSG could rescue them from financial peril by buying a majority stake, which would see the American group follow in the footsteps of the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea's owners by creating a multi-club model. The City Football Group (CFG) owns many teams across the world, including New York City FC, Melbourne City in Australia and French club Troyes. Chelsea's owners, meanwhile, also have a significant stake in French team Strasbourg.

"FC Girondins de Bordeaux continues its discussions with Fenway Sports Group in view of the DNCG appeal commission," a statement from the French side said. "During the hearing on June 27, the DNCG had pronounced a stay of proceedings for FC Girondins de Bordeaux in order to provide all the necessary guarantees for financing the 2024-2025 season.

"For the moment, the progress of the case has led the DNCG to pronounce the relegation of the club to the National Championship 1. The club is appealing the decision and now has time to finalise one of the options that will secure funding for next season. In this regard, the project to sell a majority stake in the capital to Fenway Sports Group was presented this morning to the DNCG in the presence of its representatives and we are working hand in hand with them as part of the continuation of negotiations and due diligence."

The DNCG issued its ruling to relegate Bordeaux in a statement on Tuesday and the club will hope to wrap up a sale to FSG in the near future to ensure they have a chance of winning an appeal and staying in Ligue 2.